If you’re new to MMA, you’ll know that there’s a significant amount of gear that you need to buy. MMA starter kits will often include gloves, mouth guards, skipping ropes, and a boxing bag.
However, one aspect that often gets overlooked are MMA competition shorts. These are a crucial piece of gear, yet people seem to ignore it and focus more on gloves, mouth guards, and other equipment. The shorts you wear play a key role in how flexible you’ll be and your range of motion. For those that are new to the sport, this article will serve as the definitive guide to everything you need to know about MMA short and list some of the best short.
6 Best MMA Shorts at a Glance
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Anthem Athletics Resilience MMA Shorts – Best Fight Shorts
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- Best for: Aggressive training and fighting
- Key features: Fast drying fabric, two-fold velcro, drawstring closure
- Material: Nylon and spandex
- Ability level: Beginner to Advanced
Anthem Athletics Resilience shorts are for people who work hard and never give up. If you train a lot, then these shorts will never let you down. They are useful for those who engage in various types of martial arts. The shorts have a bold and classy style. They are made from high-grade materials that don’t tear easily. The logos and graphics are printed with an advanced technique that makes them look good and stay on tight.
The shorts are a bit small according to the manufacturer’s size chart. But I have found that it is better to use your usual jeans size and add one inch when you want a good fit, especially when you are also wearing a cup.
Sanabul Essential MMA Shorts – Best Budget Option
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- Best for: Vigorous exercise and training
- Key features: Long-lasting, value for money, form-fitting, reinforced stitching
- Material: Polyester
- Ability level: Beginner
Sanabul Essentials manage to tick all the requirements for MMA shorts, and for other combat sports like vale tudo as well. They’re highly functional, form-fitting, and are famous all around the world. You’ll see all your favorite MMA fighters representing some form of Sanabul gear.
Wearing these shorts will help you fit right in and will perform at a high level during grappling. Regular shorts can cause a lot of friction, and pockets can get in the way. However, the Sanabul Essential MMA BJJ cross-training workout shorts have no pockets and use materials that help reduce friction.
Thanks to the open seam design and four-way stretching, the shorts fit correctly and provide increased mobility. The compression fitting helps ensure that the shorts don’t get caught with limbs. These shorts are built to last thanks to the reinforced stitching and seam protection. Additionally, these shorts aren’t going to loosen up, no matter how much you use them. The hook and loop closure system help ensure a firm fitting around the waist at all times.
Venum Nogi 2.0 Fight Shorts
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Another great option for mixed martial arts practitioners is the Venum Nogi 2.0 fight shorts. These are one of the best grappling shorts you’ll be able to find. Not only do these shorts feature my favorite design, but they’re also one of the best MMA shorts with long slits on the market. The unique design combines aspects from both classic and compression type shorts to create a hybrid.
The shorts are made from 100% polyester and moisture-wicking material, which makes them breathable, and we all know how sweaty grappling can get. Additionally, the shorts feature a unique non-abrasive Velcro closure over the lacing to help ensure a better fit. Thanks to the lycra inserts in the crotch area and the sides, the MMA shorts provide more comfort and increased mobility. These shorts will let you get to the next level during training sessions.
MMA shorts by their design can often be impractical. However, the Venum Nogi keeps that in mind and includes an internal pocket that will let you hold anything important. The lateral slots on the sides also help provide greater mobility.
This is a brilliant pair of shorts, and they’ll help you stand out in the gym. However, one thing to watch out for is the length of the shorts. They’re very short, so you’d be better off ordering a size larger just in case.
RDX Compression Shorts for MMA
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- Best for: High kicking and stretching
- Key features: High flexibility, drawstring closure, reinforced stitching
- Material: 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex
- Ability level: Advanced
RDX MMA shorts are easily among the best no Gi shorts on the market. They make use of a hook and loop closure system that helps ensure that the shorts aren’t going to slip. Moreover, the use of heavy-duty polyester and reinforced stitching ensures that the shorts are durable and breathable at the same time.
What makes these compression shorts so good at compression is the use of an innovative silicon printing on the inside. The printing helps make sure that these MMA shorts will stick to you like skin, and nothing is going to get caught. It makes the short perfect for all forms of MMA training. Whether you’re looking to go in for striking or grappling, these shorts will help you perform at your peak.
The Micro-stretch fabric of these fight shorts also helps track intricate body movements that ensure both comfort and extra mobility. These shorts aren’t restrictive in any way and are about the same length as Muay-Thai shorts. While the design may appeal to certain people, the flashy neon colors might put a target on your back in the gym.
Hayabusa Hexagon MMA Fight Shorts
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Hayabusa used to be known for making kickboxing gear until they started making MMA shorts and vale tudo gear. Since MMA practitioners made up such a huge majority of their customer base, the company decided to venture into specialist MMA Gear. The result is one of the best classic type MMA shorts on the market.
It uses a combination of rugged textiles, stretch panels, and a silicone waistband to help ensure the ultimate performance. The fabric and design of these MMA shorts are designed to allow for all movement without restriction. While people might argue that compression shorts are better for grappling, these work just as well. They fit wonderfully thanks to the lightweight nature of the shorts.
Additionally, the inner grip waistband helps ensure that the MMA shorts lock into place, and they won’t slip at all. MMA training can get very intense, and these shorts will help keep the pace up with you. They’re built strong and will last you through even the most grueling training sessions.
One thing that you need to be wary of is that Hayabusa’s tend to run small. Don’t make the same mistake I did and hire a larger size. However, the company is pretty flexible with exchanging, so you don’t need to worry if you feel like the ones you got are a little too short.
Gold BJJ Compression Shorts for BJJ
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If you’re looking to get a pair of MMA fighting shorts that will work during training and are competition approved, then the Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu shorts are the best bet. These shorts are one of my personal favorites and are the best BJJ shorts on the market. They also work great for other combat sports like vale tudo.
They allow for an incredible amount of stretch and will not roll at all while you’re grappling. While the shorts are designed for BJJ, they’re great for striking, running, and lifting. You could even be like Khabib and wrestle a bear in these shorts. It’s possible, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it.
The ultra-light nature of these MMA shorts also helps ensure a comfortable fit and helps with breathability. Gold BJJ is also one of the oldest family-owned business and is run by Jiu-Jitsu athletes. If you buy these shorts, you can rest at ease with the knowledge that they’ll last you through all your future training sessions.
They’re only available in a single-color scheme, and the design of the MMA shorts is minimalist. They’ll help you fit right in the gym and will not hinder you during any session.
MMA Shorts Buying Guide
Getting the right MMA or BJJ shorts is going to improve your time in class. There are many things you may be looking for, such as a certain material or features such as Velcro closure. While most people tend to try to use regular shorts or even sweats, proper MMA shorts make a world of difference.
Factors to Consider Before Buying MMA Shorts
Quality
MMA shorts should be made of a material that lets air through it. This will help you stay cool and comfortable while fighting.
Size
The size of your gloves is very important. You need to choose the size that is right for you. Make sure to look at the manufacturer’s size chart and see what other people have said about the size. If you choose a size that is too small, it will restrict your movement and cause irritation and sores. If you choose a size that is too big, it will be difficult to hold them in one place and you will be at a disadvantage.
Material
Look for a good quality product that is made with high-quality polyester and spandex. This will give you the stretch you need in the areas that are required and also offer versatility. Good grappling shorts should also quickly transfer sweat and prevent the accumulation of heat. This will keep you cool and calm during a match, while also preventing you from sweating too much.
Side Slits
Shorts with side slits are good because they help you move around easily. They also help you do high kicks and grapple better.
Why Do You Need To Use MMA Shorts?
MMA shorts are an essential part of martial arts training. It’s mandatory to always wear shorts during every session because of several reasons, aside from the glaringly obvious one. MMA shorts help provide comfort, protection, flexibility, and help keep the cup in place. It’s easy to forget the crucial role these plays.
Those that train in specialist shorts will know how much of a struggle it is to just use board shorts. The very best MMA board shorts help provide a flexible range of motion, integrated ventilation and do not retain odors. Additionally, the shorts are available in several different designs to let you stay stylish.
Types of MMA Shorts
There are two types of MMA shorts: grappling shorts and Vale Tudo shorts. Grappling shorts are the more popular type, and they’re designed to be tight. If you want a compression look, go for Vale Tudo shorts.
MMA shorts are usually short, have a slim fit around the legs, and are made from materials that give them flexibility and durability. This makes them perfect for MMA.
MMA Classic Shorts
MMA shorts are available in two primary styles; these are classic shorts and compression shorts. Classic mixed martial arts shorts follow the traditional look of board shorts. These types of shorts are typically more popular with strikers, like Carlos Condit and Donald Cerrone. The shorts allow for a complete range of motion and provide great performance during training. They also offer high amounts of ventilation and provide greater comfort.
These MMA shorts are more versatile, and you can wear these out in public as well. Some of the classic shorts also provide utility like pockets that make them perfect for those looking for better MMA performance and practicality. Users will typically choose to go for classic shorts if they don’t like compression shorts or want to avoid wearing a cup.
MMA Compression Shorts
MMA Compression shorts are perfect for those individuals that love to prefer feeling naked without actually being naked. It might seem like a weird thing to say, but something is freeing about being able to fight naked. While there aren’t any practical situations, MMA compression shorts are the next best thing.
They provide the ultimate light feeling, which is why fighters like Conor McGregor love wearing compression shorts. Additionally, individuals that lean more towards grappling and BJJ will prefer compression shorts. Another brilliant feature of these shorts is that they retain heat for muscle recovery.
Muay Thai Shorts
Muay Thai shorts are another option for people that are looking to buy shorts for mixed martial arts. These shorts are cut short and have slits in the thighs that provide a large range of motion.
If you’ve seen Muay Thai, you know it’s all about those kicks, and you can’t kick properly without proper mobility. However, because these shorts aren’t designed for grappling, they’ll often roll-up. This can be an issue because they’re already so short.
MMA Shorts FAQs
Are MMA Shorts Comfortable?
Grappling shorts are designed to provide the most flexibility and convenience for fighters. They allow unrestricted movement of the legs during training and fighting. The fabrics used in high-quality grappling shorts are breathable and comfortable.
Can I Wear My MMA Shorts To Other Combat Sports?
While many sports have their own shorts, grappling shorts can also be used for other types of fighting. MMA shorts can also be used for BJJ, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai. They can also be used for boxing training but not fighting.
What Kind Of Shorts Do MMA Fighters Wear?
Many fighters wear the type of shorts we have looked at. Some fighters like to wear compression shorts. But for all-around protection and comfort, it is a good idea to stick with grappling MMA shorts.
Can I Use Other Types Of Shorts When Training MMA?
What you wear for training depends on what kind of training you’re doing. If you’re just doing light training or not sparring, then any comfortable shorts will do as long as they allow you to wear a cup. But for most MMA activities, you want your shorts to be light and flexible.
Do You Have To Wear MMA Shorts?
While there’s no requirement to wear MMA specific shorts, it’ll help you out in the gym. Board shorts can be a pain to wear, and the friction can make grappling a chore. Not only will the friction bother you, but it’ll also be troubling for your training partner. Nobody wants to get their limbs caught while they’re practicing BJJ and grappling, that’s what makes MMA shorts so useful.
Can You Wear Any Others?
As I’ve said before, there’s no hard and fast rule about having to wear MMA shorts. If you feel more comfortable wearing board shorts, then wear board shorts. If wearing sweats makes you feel more comfortable, then opt for them.
However, they aren’t ideal for performance. One of the biggest issues that can arise while wearing a pajama or board shorts is the amount of sweating. MMA trunks are designed keeping breathability and ventilation in mind. Most of them help you avoid sweaty situations because they’re moisture-wicking.
How To Maintain Your Shorts?
Maintaining your MMA shorts is important. Intense grappling or vale tudo will leave you sweating. All that sweat can get stuck in your shorts and make them emit a very foul odor. Nobody wants to be known around the gym as the person with sweaty shorts. The easiest way to ensure that your shorts don’t become sweaty is by investing in the best MMA shorts that are breathable and offer extra ventilation.
However, even when you invest in breathable shorts, make sure that you clean them after every session. MMA training is one of the most intense and heavy-duty forms of training, and any good session will involve you sweating a lot. Cleaning your shorts after every session will make them last longer and keep them smelling fresh as well!
