How to Choose Official IMMAF Gear

The "IMMAF Approved" designation guarantees that the product has been tested and approved by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation. This federation brings together national federations in more than 80 countries and organizes world and regional championships in amateur MMA. Without approved gear, referees or tournament organizers may refuse to let you enter the cage—which is why it pays to shop early and choose only the best.

All the gear in our selection comes from RDX Sports, one of the IMMAF’s official suppliers. The products are made from certified materials, meet CE standards, and are available in two competition colors—red and blue—as required by IMMAF rules.

At IMMAF competitions, competitors are distinguished by color—one competes in red gear (assigned to the red corner), the other in blue (blue corner). The tournament organizer will assign you a color during the draw. Therefore, we recommend ideally having both sets, or coordinating with the organizer before the competition to avoid any conflicts.

Grappling gloves are mandatory equipment for amateur MMA matches. IMMAF rules specify exactly what they must look like: they must be open-palm gloves with openings for the fingers and thumb (to allow for grappling), the wrist is secured with Velcro, and the glove padding must weigh 6–8 ounces (approximately 170–230 g). “Strap”-type Velcro is not permitted—the gloves must be designed as a single, seamless piece.

The RDX IMMAF Approved Shooter gloves are made from durable Kalix Skin-Maya Hide™ synthetic leather and feature IMF™ + EVA-LUTION™ foam, which evenly distributes impact and protects the joints. The inner layer of Dazzle Fabric wicks away moisture.

Available options:

• Red (fighter in the red corner): RDX SHOOTER Grappling Gloves, red – sizes XS through 3XL
• Blue (fighter in the blue corner): RDX SHOOTER Grappling Gloves, blue – sizes XS through 3XL

How to choose the right glove size:

The gloves should fit snugly but not be too tight. Measure the circumference of your hand across the knuckles (excluding the thumb) in centimeters:

• XS – hand circumference up to approx. 17 cm
• S – 17–18 cm
• M – 18–19 cm (the most common size for women and lighter competitors)
• L – 19–20 cm
• XL – 20–21 cm
• 2XL/3XL – 21+ cm

Tip: If you’re between two sizes, choose the larger one. Gloves that are too tight restrict grappling and can cause pressure marks during a match.

Shin guards are another piece of mandatory equipment at IMMAF competitions. The rules explicitly require the so-called “pull-on” type made of neoprene or another form-fitting material—shin guards with Velcro or any additional buckles are prohibited. The reason is simple: Velcro can injure an opponent or damage their clothing during a grappling match.

RDX shin guards are made of durable neoprene that perfectly conforms to the shape of the leg, doesn’t slip, and stays in place throughout the entire match. They are CE-marked and meet IMMAF safety standards. A sturdier reinforcing panel is inserted across the instep to protect against kicks.

Available options:

• Red: RDX Neoprene Shin and Instep Guards, Red – sizes XS through 3XL
• Blue: RDX Neoprene Shin and Instep Guards, blue – sizes XS through 3XL

How to choose the right size:

Measure the circumference of your calf at its widest point:

• XS – up to approx. 30 cm
• S – 30–33 cm
• M – 33–37 cm
• L – 37–40 cm
• XL – 40–43 cm
• 2XL/3XL – 43+ cm

Tip: The shin guards should fit snugly so they don’t slip off when you move, but they shouldn’t restrict blood flow. Put them on and do a few kicks—if they shift, go down a size.

MMA shorts are an essential part of competition attire. IMMAF rules state that shorts must be free of pockets, zippers, buckles, and any foreign materials. They must be above the knees. Elastic leggings (spats) or GI pants are not permitted. Male competitors may not wear a T-shirt.

RDX IMMAF Approved shorts are made of lightweight polyester with spandex, which adapts to every movement. The wider waistband with an elastic system ensures comfort during kicks and position changes on the ground. They are available in red in sizes XS through 4XL, covering competitors in all weight classes.

Available options:

• RDX MMA Combat and Training Shorts, Red – Sizes XS–4XL
• RDX MMA Combat and Training Shorts, Blue – sizes XS through 4XL

How to choose the right size:

Measure your waist and hip circumference, then compare them to the manufacturer’s size chart on the product page:

• XS – waist ~70–74 cm
• S – waist ~76–80 cm
• M – waist ~82–86 cm
• L – waist ~88–92 cm
• XL – waist ~94–98 cm
• 2XL/3XL/4XL – waist ~100 cm and up

Tip: At races, shorts are worn low on the hips for maximum freedom of movement. If your hips are wider than your waist, choose shorts based on your hip circumference and adjust the waistband as needed.

✔ Shop in advance
If you wait until the last minute to buy your gear, you risk your size being out of stock or your order not arriving in time. We recommend placing your order at least 2–3 weeks before the tournament.

✔ Test your gear during practice
Try on every piece of competition clothing or protective gear during at least a few training sessions before the tournament. New gloves and protective gear need to be “broken in”—otherwise, you might be caught off guard by, say, a protective pad slipping off at a critical moment.

✔ Proper care extends the lifespan
After each practice, disinfect your gloves and let them dry thoroughly (not in a closed bag). Neoprene protective gear can be hand-washed or washed on a gentle cycle in the washing machine.

✔ Equipment Inspection at Tournaments
Organizers or referees may inspect each competitor’s equipment before a match—even right in the locker room. Make sure all pieces of equipment are clearly marked “IMMAF Approved.”

✔ IMMAF Equipment vs. Regular Training Equipment
Gloves and protective gear marked “IMMAF Approved” are primarily intended for competition use. You can, of course, also use them for everyday training, but if you want to preserve your competition gear, get a separate set for training.