Top 10 Best MMA Shorts 2022

Getting the right pair of shorts isn’t about how you look in your gym, it’s vital for maximum performance in MMA. 

If you’re practising mixed martial arts then you need to utilise your lower body, as well as your upper body, for defensive and offensive moves.

If you wear normal sports shorts to your MMA practise then you’ll quickly find out how much they limit your movement.

Normal shorts have pockets, zips or buttons. These are all items which can cause damage to you or your partner when practising. On the other hand, shorts designed for martial artists have nothing for you to snag your finger on.

TYPES OF MMA SHORTS

If you’ve ever watched a UFC fight, then you’ll notice the different types of shorts which fighters are allowed to wear in competition.

The best MMA shorts are either compression shorts or classic. Classic shorts are more baggy but cover more of your leg area. They are also better ventilated.

Classic style shorts are worn by UFC fighters such as Donald Cerrone and Stipe Miocic.

Compression shorts, on the other hand, feel like a second layer of skin. They hug your skin very tightly, are almost impossible for your opponents to grab onto and they are extremely lightweight. These shorts are worn by UFC fighters like Conor McGregor & Daniel Cormier.

If you’re serious about your MMA training, and you’re looking to find the best MMA shorts you can get in, then have a look at our advice on picking the perfect pair of quality shorts for you.

COMPRESSION OR VALE TUDO STYLE MMA SHORTS

Compression shorts are extremely lightweight, and act like a second skin.

They are usually made from sort variation of lycra, or a polyester / spandex fabric, and they leave absolutely nothing to the imagination in your boxer region.. if you know what we mean.. Therfore, it’s strongly advised that you wear a cup to practice, unless you want people seeing your business.

Look out for shorts that come with an inner cup pocket, so you can use them in-competition or when sparring. The velcro closure also keeps the cup secure so you won’t have to keep re-adjusting its position.

Vale Tudo shorts are really similar to compresion shorts, hence talking about both of them simultaneously. They were made popular by faous MMA fighters like Wanderlei Silva and Renzo Gracie.

A lot of fighters choose to wear compression shorts because of the flexibility they allow. As they are elastic, they stretch fully in any way you want to move your legs in. This is perfect for attacks requiring full range of movement, such as headkicks.

As they are compressed, they retain heat very well, which is useful for your muscle recovery.

However, this does also mean they are more likely to cause a sour odor. So you may also want to check if they have an anti-odor component which will stop them smelling horrible midway through training.

Also, because of their second skin nature, they are extremely difficult for your opponents to hold on to. 

CLASSIC STYLE MMA SHORTS

Classic style shorts look like common board shorts, which come down to around the knee and are loose fitting.

However, there are key differences between them, so you really don’t want to roll / train in board shorts which are not designed for combat sports.

For starters, there is no metal whatsoever on MMA board shorts. This is very important, as metal is prohibited on shorts in training and competition. Metal zippers or buttons can graze, scratch, or tear the skin of your opponent, or yourself, and can be very dangerous.

Instead, classic MMA shorts come with soft velcro straps in the crotch and a lace waistband to tighten the shorts.

classic style MMA shorts offer you side slits and soft microfibre fabric to provide you with full comfort and mobility.

As these shorts are loose, it also means they have better ventillation. However, this then means they can be grabbed by your opponent!

If you’re looking for shorts to save your dignity (which you lack in compression shorts) while still allowing you full flexibility, then classic style is going to be a good choice for you.

MUAY THAI SHORTS

The third and final option is Muay Thai shorts. Generally speaking, this style is not recommended for training MMA. They ride pretty high on your legs, almost like short shorts and are not good for grappling.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR?

Wearing football shorts, board shorts or any other type of shorts not designed for MMA will:

• Limit your range of motion
• Cause damage to you or your sparring partner
• Make it easy for your opponent to grab on to you
• Not ventilate well

Agility, mobility, flexibility & comfort. These are all things MMA shorts are designed to give you, which normal shorts won’t do in the gym.

FLEXIBILITY & MOBILITY

Achieving full range of motion comfortably in MMA is critical! 

Almost all shorts should either come with side slits, or stretch panels on the side and crotch, to give you this full range.

If you’re lucky, you will find a pair that use Y-vent design for 360 degree movement of your legs. Or some that are designed with four way stretch with open seams to give you full range of motion and flexibility.

If you try to train in normal board shorts, or running shorts, you will quickly see just how much more difficult it is to perform certain kicks, and you’ll wish you invested in a proper pair of martial arts shorts.

FIT

Size and fit is another crucial factor to consider. Different companies will use different measurements for their short sizes. Be sure to check the size guide before buying a pair of combat sports shorts.

Also, be aware that sizing varies depending on the style. Classic styles will ordinarily run at a normal size, whereas compression shorts will be smaller, so you may want to order a size up!

If you’re concerned about the possibility of your shorts being dragged down by your opponent then look out for shorts which use a hook and loop closure system.

MATERIAL

You’re also going to want to ensure your shorts are made from high-quality materials. Some materials resist wear and tear much better than others of course. 

Some shorts have Lycra stretch panels, along with double stitched, reinforced seams which make them an incredibly durable and flexible shorts option.

Others are made from military grade elastics for flexibility and a polycarbonate core for comfort.