Shorts are an integral part of a fighter’s outlook. In combat sports, you need to have the ideal movement and the look that complements your style. Shorts not only have to look fashionable but must be durable enough to sustain the punishment of brutal training sessions.
The requirements of combat sports are unlike any other sports that include athleticism. These are made from specialized material with so much variety on the market. You have hundreds of options to choose from. But in this article, we have listed down a few types that fighters from all over the world use.
Types of Shorts
Moving to the central part of the blog, we listed the shorts UFC fighters wear for their MMA or combat fights. We researched a lot on this to provide you with authentic information and explained everything in detail for your better understanding.
Boxing Shorts
The first type of shorts that we have on the list are boxing shorts. Most UFC fighters or MMA combats prefer boxing shorts because they are comfortable and do not put pressure on your muscles. They help them perform better in matches with extra durability and flexibility.
One of the advantages of boxing shorts is that they keep you cool and sweat-free for a better experience. The length of boxing shorts is usually reaching down to your knees. These shorts come with an elasticized waistband to give a secure wear for your fight or during your training session.
MMA Shorts
The next in the discussion are MMA shorts, also known as grappling shorts. While boxing shorts only focus on kicks, MMA shorts are manufactured to support both kicks and grappling techniques for improved performance while fighting. What you will surely like about MMA shorts is the quick-drying feature that does not give you an unpleasant experience from fighting sweat.
MMA fighting shorts are more extended and tighter than other shorts; however, the material used and constructing technique make it a massive success by offering greater flexibility. It is a perfect mix of features like being lightweight, durable, and great designs.
Hybrid Shorts
The third type of shorts on the list are hybrid shorts. You might also find the hybrid shorts under the name kickboxing shorts. They are specifically manufactured for MMA or combat fights, but you can also use them in other sports as they are very lightweight, soft, and comfortable with the hybrid design.
Hybrid shorts are available in shorter lengths as compared to boxing shorts or MMA shorts. Most of the fighters in UFC are seen wearing hybrid shorts because of their several features. They are not only for providing features but also look fantastic with stylish designs and cuts.
Compression Shorts
One of the ways to enhance the performance in combat matches are compression shorts, as they are a fighters’ first choice because of reduced friction. The tight shorts come with a sleek design that gives fighters a better grip while grappling. Not only are they suitable for gripping, but they also provide complete comfort with soft material, lightweight, and neat cuts.
Another name of compression shorts is Vale Tudo Shorts because of their usage in Vale Tudo events. Besides all these features, compression shorts include many health benefits, such as regular blood flow and enhanced movement of lactic acid.
Muay Thai Shorts
Last but not least of all are Muay Thai shorts. These are available in two different styles; retro and standard. Muay Thai shorts include the shortest cut as compared to the other types of shorts. You will find them in a simple, classy design as well as in a stylish and flashy look.
Standard Muay Thai shorts are shorter in length as compared to retro style, but still, they can provide you with a comfortable experience with flexibility and durability. At the same time, the retro style is specially manufactured for slimmer legs.
How to Choose the Perfect Shorts?
Choosing the perfect shorts for UFC or MMA fights includes several factors. Luckily, we got hands-on all of them for you. Here are the factors that you can consider to understand how UFC fighters choose the perfect shorts.
Size
No matter what apparel you are choosing, size is the most important of all. The right size can give you a great experience while fighting. They will help you to kick and grip comfortably with a stronger hold. If you choose the size of your shorts that are not the right fit, then you might have problems during a fight or in a training session.
Sometimes, it can be challenging to find the right size of shorts as everyone has a different physique, we recommend that you buy them in person rather than ordering from an online store.
All the types of shorts explained above are available in several sizes ranging from XXS to XXL including XS, S, M, L, and XL. While considering the size of shorts, measure your waist and thigh length to choose the best fit.
Material
The next thing to be sure to look for while getting shorts is the material used in the manufacturing of shorts. The most popular material for shorts is spandex, as it can give you a quick-dry feature by absorbing all the sweat to provide you with comfortable involvement.
However, cotton is also a great option for choosing quality shorts as it comes with weather-proof features and naturally absorbs all the sweat perspiration you may get while fighting. Polymer is also one of the materials used in the manufacturing of these shorts because it includes features like being lightweight, flexible, and durable for a better experience.
Features
Looking for suitable material and the right size is a good decision, but you must look for features in shorts as it can help you improve your movements in the game that directly affects your performance.
The most common features to consider in fighting shorts include right length, neat cuts, seamless construction, flexibility, comfort, and durability. Shorts with these features will help you kick and grip your opponent more efficiently in the game. All these features make one great pair of shorts.
You can easily find shorts made with velcro or elasticized waistbands to provide you with good support while fighting. Whereas only one or two types of shorts come with wide cuts to give you space for higher kicks so make sure you consider these features if you want to improve your fighting game.
Price
Price is one of the most crucial factors to consider while choosing shorts because a good quality short must come in a reasonable price range. You might find shorts that are way too expensive, but these are a waste of money if they do not enhance or complement your performance.
On the other hand, low-priced shorts cannot provide you with the qualities or features listed above. The best decision is to go for a middle option — reasonably-priced shorts. You can easily find a good pair of shorts in the range of $15 to $50. Anything above $50 might be a little expensive.
To Conclude
If you want to get better at MMA or hone your skills, you must invest in the best MMA apparel to enjoy your training sessions. Various factors will define a particular brand product best suited for you but rest assured, every brand on the list is worth your money.
We hope that you enjoyed reading this article. If you have any questions for us, leave them in the comment section below or email us at [insert mail].