Boxing, MMA, BJJ, Muay Thai and wrestling

Combat Sports Gear Guides and Rules, Explained Plainly

Buying guides for gloves, bags, headgear, mouthguards and mats, plus how fights are scored, timed and ranked in boxing, the UFC and the martial arts.

10 Best Boxing Gloves: Trending Brands

Best boxing gloves: the Winning MS-600 is our top pick for hand protection. Compare 10 gloves and learn how padding, closure and size affect safety.

Each guide compares specific models, with sizing tips and the trade-offs we found.

Heavy, free-standing, speed and double-end bags, and the stands and swivels that hold them up.

What to wear and train on when the fight goes to the mat: gis, belts, rash guards, ear guards and mats.

Best BJJ gi: the Sanabul Essentials V2 is our top value pick. Compare 10 gis by weave, weight and fit, plus IBJJF rules on color and sleeve length.

How long are UFC fights?: A three-round fight has 15 minutes of fighting time. A five-round fight, used for title bouts and main events, has 25 minutes. Each round lasts five minutes, with a one-minute rest between rounds. How UFC fight length has changed →
How is a UFC fight scored?: Three judges score every round on the 10-point must system. A 10-9 is the most common score and goes to the fighter who won the round by a close margin. What 10-9 and 10-8 rounds mean →
How do you measure your boxing reach?: Stand up straight, stretch both arms out level to the sides at shoulder height and have a helper measure from the tip of one middle finger to the other. For most adults, it comes out close to their height. Step-by-step reach measuring tips →
What is the karate belt order?: A common order is white, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown and black, though it varies by school. The colors usually get darker as rank goes up. What each karate belt color means →