The UFC launched new gloves in 2024 to scale back eye pokes and shield fighters’ arms from damage, however the plan backfired spectacularly.
Fighters typically complained in regards to the design, particularly the match and really feel, and all of a sudden the variety of knockouts plummeted (though there wasn’t a big sufficient pattern dimension to actually blame the gloves). Lower than a 12 months after the brand new UFC gloves have been launched, the promotion canceled them and as an alternative reverted to the previous design.
However Trevor Whitman, the legendary coach who led Justin Gaethje to turn into the undisputed UFC light-weight champion, mentioned he was not too long ago approached by the promotion about his near-universally beloved glove design.
“Hunter (Campbell) contacted me three or 4 weeks in the past and mentioned he wished to spark the dialog once more,” Wittman revealed. Joe Rogan Podcast. “So let’s examine what occurs.”
When the UFC first introduced plans for a brand new glove design, Wittman’s title was regularly talked about, particularly by fighters who had practiced and competed in his gloves up to now. Whitman’s design combines kind and performance in a single bundle, with a curved glove that locations the fingers in a extra pure fist-like place, immediately lowering the dreaded eye poke.
Logan wore Wittman’s gloves through the broadcast and praised the veteran coach’s design, though he was surprised that the UFC had not but signed Wittman to a contract.
“That is so a lot better than the UFC gloves,” Logan mentioned. “The truth that this isn’t presently being utilized by the UFC is fucking legal.”
Whitman acknowledged that he had consulted with the UFC up to now in regards to the promotion’s plans to make use of his gloves and new designs, however an settlement to solely use what he had already created was not reached.
“They tried to do the correct factor and implement what we talked about,” Whitman revealed. “We had an NDA, we had a five-year (contract), they usually modified it to 2 years. They took a number of nice notes, so I am grateful to be part of that, as a result of they actually went on the market and utilized a number of the concepts that I had. However they weren’t capable of do it to the extent that I may.”
The previous UFC gloves have been in full-time use since early 2025, nevertheless it’s clear the promotion is not giving up on lastly making an attempt out a brand new design once more.
Wittman believes that when he talks to the UFC, they may have the ability to come to an settlement to make use of the glove he designed, which could possibly be a game-changer for athletes going ahead.
“We will get it executed,” Whitman mentioned. “I’ve stepped away from the enterprise aspect. I am a visionary now. I’ve obtained subordinates who know learn how to make offers. The UFC goes to be joyful.”
“I take accountability for not understanding that you might commerce in these alternative ways.”
Dana White does not essentially share Wittman’s confidence {that a} deal might be struck proper now, however within the post-fight press convention at UFC Vegas 119, he spoke out on Wittman’s aspect about how the earlier break-up occurred and admitted he plans to attempt once more.
“We have been speaking to Trevor for years,” White mentioned. “Rashad Evans, who I really like and respect, got here to me and mentioned, ‘Hey, pay attention. I am invested on this. We predict we’ve got an excellent product right here. We might like to introduce you to our glove that Trevor made.’ … So we checked out every thing, and I actually mentioned to the finance workforce, ‘Please shut this deal.’ End the deal, it doesn’t matter what it prices. ” They wished one thing like $100 million for the glove. What number of gloves would you must promote to make $100 million? That is not possible. Due to this fact, the deal by no means occurred. …
“That deal ought to have been executed years in the past. I wished to do it for Rashad. So we’ll see.”
