Fighters competing at UFC 309 are set to put on older variations of gloves, which had been initially changed by a brand new design that debuted again in June.
Nobody was happier than heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Jones returns to motion in the principle occasion Saturday evening in opposition to Stipe Miocic. The bout marks Jones’ first combat since March 2023 so his newest look was the primary alternative he had to make use of the brand new gloves. It seems Jones wasn’t a fan of the re-design after receiving a pair of gloves to interrupt in and use within the weeks main as much as his combat in New York.
“I’m actually excited in regards to the previous gloves,” Jones mentioned throughout UFC 309 media day. “I acquired despatched a pair of the brand new gloves a number of weeks in the past. I attempted them on and I assumed they had been tight. I used to slot in XL and within the new glove I needed to placed on a 3XL. The form, curving your palms like that, they very uncomfortable for me.
“I used to be truly actually harassed desirous about how I’m going to enter combat week sporting these gloves that I don’t even wish to prepare in.”
The UFC finally determined to minimize Jones’ burden after he acquired a name from UFC Chief Enterprise Officer Hunter Campbell to tell him that the previous gloves could be employed for his combat in opposition to Miocic.
Whereas promotion officers beforehand confirmed to MMA Preventing that the previous gloves would return for UFC 309, it’s unclear if there are plans to return to the brand new gloves for future occasions.
Both approach, Jones was glad to search out out he’d nonetheless be utilizing the identical gloves that the UFC employed all through his complete profession.
“I acquired a telephone name lately, Hunter [Campbell] mentioned, ‘Everybody on this card are veterans, why put a bunch of vets within the new gloves? Let’s offer you guys all what you’re used to,’” Jones ssif.
“It was a significant reduction to my coach Brandon [Gibson], who wraps my palms. It was a significant reduction to me as properly.”