MMA Gloves Fairtex FGV12 – Open Thumb Loop – Black – L

The Fairtex FGV12 Ultimate Combat Gloves have been seen at the world's biggest MMA organisations: WEC, Strikeforce, EliteXC, Affliction, M1, Pancrase, ONE FC and Road FC. In 2008, the FGV12 series was awarded the "Best MMA Gloves" title by Fighter Only Magazine, voted by MMA fans worldwide.

The FGV12's central construction feature is an open palm with split knuckles and a patented "open thumb loop". This Fairtex-developed system leaves the palm fully open while keeping the thumb in a soft loop that stabilises it along the hand's natural axis without locking it in a fixed position. This reduces twisting risk on strikes while retaining the freedom of movement needed to grab a lapel, control a wrist or pull on a leg in a takedown. The ergonomic tight-fit hand compartment keeps the fist in a closed position for striking.

The exterior is high-grade genuine leather, with Fairtex's three-layered foam system for knuckle protection and shock dispersal. Handcrafted at the Fairtex workshop in Bangkok, founded in 1958. Available in black, in sizes S, M, L and XL.

Key features

• ? Seen at WEC, Strikeforce, EliteXC, Affliction, M1, Pancrase, ONE FC
• ? "Best MMA Gloves" — Fighter Only Magazine 2008
• ? Patented open thumb loop for grappling control
• ? Open palm with split knuckles
• ? Fairtex three-layer foam system on the knuckles
• ? Genuine leather, ergonomic tight-fit hand compartment
• ? Fairtex handcraft in Thailand

Technical specifications

Frequently asked questions

What is the patented open thumb loop of the FGV12?

On classic MMA gloves, the thumb is either entirely free (twisting risk on impact) or enclosed in a closed pocket (reduced mobility for grabbing). The FGV12's patented open thumb loop is an intermediate system: the thumb is held in a soft loop that stabilises it along the hand's natural axis without locking it in a fixed position. This reduces twisting risk on strikes while retaining the freedom of movement needed to grab a lapel, control a wrist or pull on a leg in a takedown.

What is the difference between FGV12 and FGV12 ONE?

The classic FGV12 is a versatile MMA glove with open palm, split knuckles and patented open thumb loop, used at major world organisations since 2008. The FGV12 ONE is the version co-developed with ONE Championship, featuring a fully independent finger system designed for ONE rules. Both are genuine leather and handmade, but the classic FGV12 covers a broader range of organisations, while the FGV12 ONE is specifically adapted to the ONE Championship ruleset.

How to choose size between S, M, L and XL?

Size is selected based on hand circumference, measured around the knuckles without the thumb. S fits hands up to about 17 cm, M from 17 to 19 cm, L from 19 to 21 cm and XL above 21 cm. For MMA competition gloves, fit must be precise with no empty space inside: a glove that is too large shifts the knuckles out of the padding zone on strikes. When in doubt between two sizes, take the smaller one.

Is the FGV12 approved for MMA competition?

The FGV12 has been used in competition at the world's largest organisations: WEC, Strikeforce, EliteXC, Affliction, M1, Pancrase, ONE FC, Road FC and PXC. Approval at a specific organisation depends on the athletic commission or rules in force at the event. Before any competition, check with the organiser that gloves of this brand and model are accepted. For gym sparring there are no usage restrictions.

How to maintain the FGV12 leather gloves?

After each session, wipe the leather exterior with a damp cloth and air-dry for 24 hours, away from radiators and direct sunlight. The leather can be conditioned every 2 to 3 months with a neutral leather balm to prevent drying and cracking at the split knuckle zones. Never machine-wash or use solvents. An antibacterial sport spray on the inner lining after each use extends the glove's lifespan.

Where to buy Fairtex FGV12 gloves in Switzerland?

The Fairtex FGV12 Ultimate Combat Gloves in black are available on combatcorner.ch, official Fairtex reseller in Switzerland. Fast shipping from Switzerland, no customs fees or import delays. Stock in sizes S, M, L and XL.

Fairtex in Switzerland

CombatCorner is the official Fairtex reseller in Switzerland. All gloves come directly from the Fairtex workshop in Bangkok and ship from our Swiss warehouse. For any question about size choice, the difference between FGV12 and FGV12 ONE, or availability, the CombatCorner team replies in French, German, Italian and English.