Dana White seeks other gloves after series of eye pokes in UFC . Photo: Reproduction/Youtube
The eye poke incidents that occurred at UFC 159 have caused the organization to rethink some of its guidelines, aiming to reduce the occurrence of this type of injury. On ESPN radio in Los Angeles, the president of Ultimate Dana White revealed that work is already underway to develop new gloves for the largest MMA organization in the world.
“We've actually already started working on a new glove that actually curves your hand. Because the glove is curved like a 'U', you can still open your hand, but the fingers don't point straight out.”
Despite institutional work to try to resolve this recurring problem, White believes that work with athletes must also be done – and can be much more effective. “Guys need to keep their damn hands closed. You can't get close to the face with open hands in a fight. You can't do that!” he said.
According to the website MMA Junkie, information from a UFC employee states that the development of the new glove is still in a “primary stage”. The new model should prevent accidental fingerprints on the eyes, but keeps the fingers free for athletes' grip work.
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