The UFC has reopened discussions with Trevor Wittman about implementing his glove design after abandoning its 2024 glove model, with talks picking up again in early 2025.
The promotion introduced new gloves in 2024 aimed at reducing eye pokes and hand injuries, but fighters complained about the fit and feel, and the UFC returned to its previous design in less than a year. During the stretch when the 2024 gloves were used, the number of knockouts dropped.
Wittman said the renewed dialogue started recently. “Hunter [Campbell] reached out to me three weeks ago, four weeks ago, and said he wanted to ignite the conversation again,” Wittman said. “So we’ll see where that goes.”
Wittman’s design features a curved shape that places the fingers in a more fist-like position to reduce eye pokes. Joe Rogan has strongly endorsed the glove, saying, “This is so superior to the UFC gloves,” and adding, “The fact that this isn’t being used by the UFC right now is f*cking criminal.”
Wittman previously consulted with the UFC on glove design under an NDA and a multi-year agreement. “They did the right thing and tried to make what we spoke about,” Wittman said, noting the promotion used “a lot of ideas” from his work. Dana White has said, “We’ve been talking to Trevor for years,” but recalled a prior deal falling through when “They wanted like $100 million for the glove.”
Now, Wittman believes a deal is closer. “We’re going to get it done,” he said. “The UFC’s going to be happy.”
