The Complete Beginner's MMA Equipment Checklist
Most beginners buy too much gear too early. You don't need a full kit before your first class. You need three things. Maybe four.
Here's what to buy, when to buy it, and what you can skip entirely.
Day 1: The Only Three Things You Actually Need
Walk into your first MMA class with these and you're covered. Everything else can wait.
1. MMA Gloves (or Boxing Gloves — Ask Your Gym)
Most MMA gyms run separate striking and grappling sessions. For striking rounds, you'll want 14–16oz training gloves. For MMA rounds that combine striking with takedowns and groundwork, you'll need 7oz MMA gloves.
If you're buying one pair to start: boxing gloves. They cover the striking component of your training and protect your hands while you learn technique. Add MMA gloves when your gym introduces combined sparring.
Read our full guide: MMA Gloves vs Boxing Gloves: What's the Difference?
2. Mouthguard
The cheapest insurance in combat sports. Even during light technical sparring, an accidental knee or elbow can cost you thousands in dental work. A $25 boil-and-bite mouthguard prevents that.
Go boil-and-bite, not stock (pre-formed). The 5 minutes it takes to mould it properly is worth the fit. We recommend the NYT x CHAMP Boil & Bite as a solid entry-level pick, or the Sisu Aero if you want something thinner and more premium. Read our full mouthguard guide before buying.
Read our full guide: How to Choose a Mouthguard for MMA and Boxing
3. Training Shorts
MMA shorts, not board shorts, not basketball shorts. You want a pair with no pockets (fingers and toes catch in pockets during grappling), an elasticated waistband with a drawstring, and material that stretches and breathes.
Compression shorts underneath are recommended — they prevent chafing during groundwork.
Read our full guide: Best MMA Shorts: How to Choose the Right Pair
That's it. Mouthguard, gloves, shorts. Show up and train.
First Month Additions
Once you've been training for a few weeks and you're committed, add these:
Shin Guards
You'll need these as soon as your gym introduces kicking drills. Muay Thai shin guards (thick padding, full shin + instep coverage) for striking-focused sessions. MMA shin guards (thinner, shin-only) for combined sparring.
Read our full guide: Shin Guards Buying Guide: Muay Thai vs MMA vs Boxing
Hand Wraps
Gloves without wraps are a shortcut to sore knuckles and smelly gear. Wraps protect your hands and absorb sweat before it soaks into your glove lining. 180-inch Mexican-style stretch wraps are the easiest to learn on. The NYT 3-Pack Hand Wraps are our go-to starter recommendation — three pairs, one price. Shop hand wraps →
Rashguard or Compression Top
Not strictly essential, but training without one means mat burn on your back and shoulders, and your training partner gets a face full of bare chest during ground-and-pound drills. A basic compression top costs $30–40 and makes training significantly more comfortable.
When You Start Sparring
These are the pieces that matter once contact ramps up:
Headgear
For boxing or Muay Thai sparring. Doesn't prevent concussions — nothing does — but it prevents cuts, reduces surface impact, and protects against head clashes. Open face for Muay Thai (better peripheral vision for kicks). Cheek guards for boxing.
Read our full guide: How to Choose Boxing Headgear
Groin Guard
Not optional for sparring. A cup and compression-short holder system is the standard. Don't buy the cheap standalone cup with straps — it shifts during movement and you'll spend every round adjusting it.
BJJ Gi (If You Cross-Train)
Many MMA gyms offer BJJ classes on the schedule. A gi opens up gi-specific classes and adds a different dimension to your grappling. Standard weight, pre-shrunk, in your size — don't overthink the first one.
Read our full guide: What Size BJJ Gi Do I Need?
Optional Upgrades (Nice to Have)
These aren't necessary but make training better:
- Bag gloves — Dedicated pair for heavy bag work. Saves the wear on your sparring gloves.
- Knee pads — If your gym has hard mats or you're drilling take-downs frequently.
- Skipping rope — The cheapest conditioning tool. $10, fits in your bag.
- Glove deodorisers — Hayabusa Glove Deodorizers keep your gloves fresh between sessions. Read: How to Clean and Care for Boxing Gloves
What It Actually Costs (Australia, 2026)
| Item | Entry Level | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxing gloves | $50–80 | $120–200 | $250–350 |
| MMA gloves | $40–60 | $70–100 | $120–180 |
| Mouthguard | $15–25 | $25–40 | $150–250 (custom) |
| MMA shorts | $35–50 | $50–70 | $70–90 |
| Shin guards | $50–70 | $90–130 | $150–200 |
| Hand wraps | $10–15 | $15–25 | — |
| Rashguard | $25–40 | $50–70 | — |
| Headgear | $60–90 | $100–160 | $180–250 |
| Groin guard | $20–35 | $40–60 | — |
| BJJ gi | $80–130 | $150–200 | $220–350 |
Realistic starter budget (Day 1): $100–180
Realistic complete kit (after 3–6 months): $400–800 depending on how many disciplines you're training and what brands you choose.
What NOT to Buy First
- Boxing boots — Not a day-one necessity, but once you're training boxing regularly they're worth adding. They improve ankle support, grip, and mat feel compared to bare feet. The YAMMY Flux Whiteout is what we'd recommend — clean, mid-cut, built for the gym. Shop boxing shoes →
- BJJ spats — Rashguard and shorts cover everything. Spats are a style choice, not a necessity.
- Ankle supports — Unless you have a pre-existing ankle issue. Wrapping an uninjured ankle weakens it over time.
- A second gi — One is fine until you're training BJJ 3+ times a week. Then buy a second so you always have a dry one.
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Walked into a gym and not sure what to bring? Come into any store and tell us what you're training. We'll set you up with exactly what you need and nothing you don't.
