Best MMA Shorts: How to Choose the Right Pair for Training and Competition
Walk into any MMA gym and you'll see guys training in everything from dedicated fight shorts to old board shorts to basketball shorts with the pockets inside out. The shorts matter more than most beginners realise — the wrong pair restricts movement, catches on the mat, or gives your training partner something to grip during scrambles.
Here's what actually makes a good pair of MMA shorts and which ones are worth your money.
Fight Shorts vs Board Shorts: The Real Difference
They look similar. They're not.
MMA fight shorts are designed specifically for combat sports. They sit above the knee, have a wide elasticated waistband (often with a drawstring), and use side slits or stretch panels to allow full range of motion for kicks and grappling. Most have a Velcro closure over the drawstring — no zips, no buttons, nothing that can cut or catch. The material is lightweight, quick-drying, and reinforced at the seams.
Board shorts are designed for surfing. They're longer, heavier when wet, and the standard lace-up closure with a button top creates a lump under your rashguard that digs in during groundwork. The longer cut restricts high kicks and the material doesn't stretch the way fight shorts do.
Basketball or gym shorts have pockets. Pockets catch toes and fingers during grappling. Enough said.
If you're training MMA more than casually: buy actual MMA shorts. They're not expensive and the difference in comfort and function is immediate.
What to Look For
Waistband — The most important feature. Look for a wide (5–8cm) elasticated band with an internal drawstring and an external Velcro flap over the top. This keeps the shorts in place during takedowns and rolls without anything digging in. Brands vary: Hayabusa uses a dual-strap system, Engage runs a single wide band with heavy-duty Velcro. Both work — it's personal preference.
Side slit depth — The vertical cut up the outer thigh that allows high kicks. Deeper slit = more range of motion, but more exposure. Competition cuts run higher. Training cuts are more conservative. Most shorts have a 10–15cm slit. If you're kicking at head height regularly, prioritise a deeper cut.
Material — Polyester-spandex blends dominate. They're lightweight, wick moisture, and stretch. Look for reinforced stitching at the crotch and side seams — those are the failure points. Cheap shorts blow out at the crotch within months. Quality pairs will last years.
Weight — Lighter shorts feel faster but sacrifice durability. Heavier shorts hold up longer but can feel restrictive. For competition: go light. For daily training: somewhere in the middle.
Compression liner — Some fight shorts have a built-in compression short layer. Others don't. If yours don't: wear compression shorts underneath. This isn't about modesty — it prevents chafing during grappling and keeps everything in place during high-intensity rounds.
Sizing: Don't Trust the Label
MMA short sizing is inconsistent across brands. An Engage "medium" fits differently from a Hayabusa "medium."
Ignore S/M/L. Measure your waist (around the narrowest point, not where your jeans sit). Then check the brand's specific size chart. Most MMA shorts use an elasticated waist, so they're somewhat forgiving — but the difference between brands can be a full size.
Fit preference:
- Competition/tight fit: true to waist measurement, shorts sit high on the waist
- Training/relaxed fit: size up one, allows more freedom during long sessions
Best MMA Shorts by Budget
| Brand | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Engage | Best all-rounder. Australian-owned, well-priced, wide range of designs | $50–70 |
| SKS | Budget-friendly Thai brand. Designed and made in Thailand, solid construction, no-frills design, ideal for beginners building their first kit | $35–50 |
| Bad Boy | Classic MMA brand. Durable, traditional cut, good value | $50–65 |
| Hayabusa | Premium. Best waistband system on the market, excellent materials | $70–90 |
| UFC / Venum | Official UFC fight shorts. Competition cut, wide range of designs | $60–85 |
Training vs Competition Cut
Training shorts — Longer inseam, conservative side slits, heavier material. Built for durability over flash.
Competition shorts — Shorter inseam, deeper side slits, lighter material. Designed for maximum mobility and minimal grip points for your opponent.
Most people only need training shorts. If you're competing, have a dedicated competition pair — you don't want to be breaking in new shorts on fight night.
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Not sure on size? Come into any store and try them on. Fit varies too much between brands to buy blind.
