MMA Gloves Fairtex FGV18 – Hybrid Super Sparring – Black – XL

The Fairtex FGV18 Hybrid Super Sparring Grappling Gloves were custom-developed for Alistair Overeem, a professional fighter with a large frame known for his heavy punches. The starting brief was straightforward: design an MMA sparring glove capable of absorbing the power of a fighter over 120 kg without compromising the finger freedom required for grappling.

The answer is extra-thick padding concentrated on the knuckle zone, protecting both the wearer and the training partner during MMA striking sparring sessions. The Hybrid construction combines this striking protection with an open glove profile that allows grabbing, ground transitions and clinch work without removing the gloves between sequences.

The high-density microfiber used for the exterior resists the repeated friction of ground grappling, unlike leather which deteriorates quickly on contact with the mat. The tight-fit hand compartment keeps the hand in a closed position from the moment the glove is put on. Handcrafted at the Fairtex workshop in Bangkok, founded in 1958. Available in sizes S, M, L and XL.

Key features

• ? Custom-developed for Alistair Overeem, professional heavy puncher
• ? Extra-thick knuckle padding for heavy MMA sparring
• ? Hybrid construction: striking protection + finger freedom
• ? High-density microfiber resistant to grappling friction
• ? Tight-fit hand compartment, fist hold from first wear
• ? Designed for large-frame fighters and heavy body weights
• ? Fairtex handcraft in Thailand

Technical specifications

Frequently asked questions

Why was this glove designed for Alistair Overeem?

Alistair Overeem is a professional fighter weighing over 120 kg with a kickboxing background, known for his particularly powerful body strikes. The standard 4 to 6 oz MMA gloves available at the time of development did not offer him or his partners sufficient absorption for heavy sparring. Fairtex therefore designed the FGV18 with extra-thick knuckle padding, built for heavy punchers who do not want to reduce the intensity of their stand-up sparring sessions.

What is the difference between the FGV18 and a classic 4 oz MMA glove?

A standard 4 oz MMA glove is designed for competition: minimal padding for finger mobility in grappling. The FGV18 is a sparring glove with significantly thicker knuckle padding, suited to intensive stand-up exchanges in the gym. In return, it is bulkier than a competition glove, which slightly reduces precision on fine grip techniques in grappling. It is not approved for MMA competition.

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

MMA glove 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. The FGV18 was designed for heavy body weights: when in doubt between two sizes, take the smaller one for a tight fit rather than the larger one which would leave space in the hand compartment.

Is microfiber as durable as leather for grappling?

For ground use on the mat, Fairtex high-density microfiber outperforms leather in abrasion resistance. Genuine leather wears quickly from repeated contact with tatami mats and kimonos during ground transitions, and can crack if poorly maintained after wet sessions. Microfiber handles sweat contact without issue, is insensitive to mat friction and wipes clean with a damp cloth in a single pass. In return, leather generally holds its shape longer on heavily stressed striking zones under maximum pressure.

Can the FGV18 be used for pad work or only for sparring?

The FGV18 can be used on MMA pads and shields, but it is not designed for heavy bag work or intensive boxing-style pad work. Its Hybrid construction prioritizes versatility between sparring and grappling. For daily heavy bag use, Fairtex BGV boxing gloves with dense latex padding are more suited. The FGV18 is primarily an MMA sparring glove for sequences that combine stand-up striking, clinch and ground transitions.

Where to buy Fairtex FGV18 gloves in Switzerland?

The Fairtex FGV18 Hybrid Super Sparring Grappling Gloves in black/blue 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 FGV18 and MMA competition gloves, or availability, the CombatCorner team replies in French, German, Italian and English.