When Dustin Poirier makes the walk to the octagon to challenge champion Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title on June 1, it will be the first time the new UFC Official Fight Gloves will be used in a championship bout.  

In early April, the fight promotion unveiled the new gloves during UFC 300 fight week.  The UFC Official Fight Glove will debut at UFC 302 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.  The lightweight title bout headlines the fight card.      

“We have been working on these gloves over the past few years with the best designers, engineers, and athletes in the world,” said UFC CEO Dana White said at the time. “This redesign will truly be a game changer for the entire sport of MMA. These gloves will feel lighter, fit fighters’ hands better, prevent injuries, and provide maximum flexibility during the fights. You’ll start to see these in competition this summer.”

Poirier has tested the gloves and likes the new product.  Comparing them to the older gloves, Poirier stated much of what White said.  They’re lighter, softer, and fit better, according to Poirier.    

“I like them.  They’re a lot easier to make a closed fist,” Poirier told The MMA Hour.  “The problem with the old UFC gloves, they were kind of built flat.  We’d have to roll them up in the back and make it easier because your forearm gets full of blood.  It’s like you’re straining to make a closed first with those other ones.  

“These are a lot softer.  I know that they’re lighter.  They’re just easier to make a closed fist,” Poirier continued.  “I like them better.”      

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