MMA trainers and teaching centers often do not allow regular sports shorts on their premises. Standard shorts often have zippers and other metal components. You risk getting caught up on the mat or hurting your opponent.
As an MMA expert, I know the importance of a good pair of shorts. When you’re fighting, you need flexibility to facilitate movement and endurance in a fight. Thankfully, with my 6 years of expertise, I know how to find the perfect shorts for you.
This article acts as a one-stop guide for all the details of MMA shorts. We have reviewed the best models around that will be perfect for your needs. All you need to do is read on and pick the best MMA shorts for you. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Top Picks
| Best For | Best Value | Best Value | Budget Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product |   |   |   |
| Product Name | Anthem Athletics Resilience MMA Shorts | RDX MMA Shorts | Sanabul Essential MMA Workout Shorts |
| Guru’s Rating | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| More information | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Who Should Get This?
A great pair of shorts is always recommended for anyone who wants to train or fight, even in a controlled environment. For starters, you must know what kind of shorts you are buying. You might also wonder if your gym shorts might be a worthy alternative, but they would not fit the bill. MMA shorts will allow you to fight in comfort and focus on the task at hand.
Factors to Consider Before Buying MMA Shorts
Quality
Most shorts will come with a certain amount of stretch. However, make sure the material they employ lets air pass through it. High-quality MMA shorts will give you maximum comfort and encourage your movements to flow naturally while fighting.
Size
Perhaps the most crucial feature after its quality, choosing the correct size directly affects your performance. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s size chart correctly and examine it with the reviews of previous buyers.
Wearing a smaller size constricts your movement and causes irritation and sores. A size bigger than yours will keep your hands busy to hold them in one place, inevitably placing you at a significant disadvantage.
Material
Look for the type of material used by different manufacturers. The best products, like the ones mentioned above, use high-quality polyester and spandex. This gives you the stretch in the required areas and offers versatility.
Good grappling shorts should also transfer sweat quickly and prevent the accumulation of heat. This can keep you cool and calm in the heat of the battle while also preventing you from sweating too much.
Side Slits
Irrespective of the other aspects, any quality shorts should come with side slits. They allow your legs to move with freedom and execute your moves to perfection. It also sharpens your agility in high kicks and grappling.
Types of MMA shorts
There are two main types of MMA shorts that are available. By far the most popular are grappling shorts which are the type I’ve looked at here. For those who want the tight look, there are also Vale Tudo shorts which are essentially compression shorts.
Feature of the MMA shorts
MMA shorts usually finish a little above the knee, have a slim fit around the legs, and are made from materials that give them flexibility and durability. These features make them perfectly set up for the movement of MMA.
Best MMA Shorts – Product Reviews
#1 Anthem Athletics Resilience MMA Shorts
- Best for: Aggressive training and fighting
- Key features: Fast drying fabric, two-fold velcro, drawstring closure
- Material: Nylon and spandex
- Ability level: Beginner to Advanced
Anthem Athletics Resilience shorts are for those who work hard and never sacrifice on performance. If you train a lot then these shorts are never going to let you down. Whether you’re sparring or fighting, you’ll love these shorts.
With a bold and classy style, they are optimized for a wide range of combat sports. These shorts are composed of high-grade tear-resistant materials with an advanced sublimation printing technique for logos and graphics. It also ensures a secure fit with its double-closing velcro and high side-slit.
A minor concern is that the shorts are a bit small according to the manufacturer’s size chart. I have researched and found that it is better to use your usual jeans size and add one inch for a desirable fit, especially when wearing a cup too.
#2 RDX MMA Shorts
- Best for: High kicking and stretching
- Key features: High flexibility, drawstring closure, reinforced stitching
- Material: 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex
- Ability level: Advanced
If you want to have the highest levels of mobility and flexibility then these shorts are the pair that you want. While you may want a flashier design for fighting, these shorts are perfect for those long days of training in the gym.
RDX grappling shorts, in general, have the best design for maximizing your flexibility and mobility. Their side-slits make this possible, and the tailored anatomical cuts allow the easy extension of your legs.
The material is pure polyester with a small amount of spandex fabric to sustain wear and tear. It is of the highest quality and dries sweat and moisture swiftly without shrinking. Further, the material can also repress lousy odor and maintain your body temperature.
Other features of the shorts include an inner pocket for holding a mouthguard. The shorts are comfortable during fights and stay securely in place with its interlocking adjustable drawstring. Reinforced with 3-Ply polyester stitching along the seams, these grappling shorts are sure to boost your confidence and increase your performance.
#3 SUOTF MMA Shorts
- Best for: All types of waistlines
- Key features: Breathable material, bright design, comfortable fit
- Material: Polyester
- Ability level: Beginner to Intermediate
If you are an all-rounder and plan on training in multiple combat sports, then this pair might just be the one for you. They fit perfectly for all types of sports and can help you step up your game. The extravagant design also gives you the spotlight and makes you stand out from the others.
With a leg split design that helps to easily lift your legs, SUOTF MMA shorts comes with a velcro and drawstring that is made specifically for all types of waistlines. The material is also breathable so you won’t need to worry about overheating while wearing these.
Overall, the material helps reduce friction while grappling, and the resolute stitching ensures you a durable and long-lasting product. We noticed some reviewers mentioning that the shorts are a bit small in comparison with the size chart. It is advisable to order a size up for the perfect fit.
#4 Sanabul Essential MMA Workout Shorts
- Best for: Vigorous exercise and training
- Key features: Long-lasting, value for money, form-fitting, reinforced stitching
- Material: Polyester
- Ability level: Beginner
Are you just getting into the world of MMA? If so, then this cheap pair is going to be a great starting point. They have long-lasting durability while still giving you excellent performance time and time again.
One of the biggest names in the industry, they produce high-quality products that are also affordable. The shorts have a clean look and fit right on the knees, thus guaranteeing flexible leg movements.
Made of 100% polyester, these shorts are very strong and durable. Even after its long-term use with activities like rolling, grappling, high kicking, and other strenuous exercises, it does not seem to diminish in its quality. With an athletic fit, it satisfies all your needs thanks to its velcro closure waistband, 4-way stretch material, and reinforced flatlock stitching.
A super comfortable pair of shorts, it has a simple design and offers easy drying after an intense workout.
#5 LAFROI Men’s MMA Cross Training Boxing Shorts
- Best for: Versatile MMA training
- Key features: Light fit, several design options, durable fabric
- Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane
- Ability level: Beginner
For those looking for a pair of versatile and dynamic MMA shorts, choose these. Although they have been specifically made for MMA, these shorts can be used for a wide range of combat and water sports.
Made of tear-resistant microfiber, the material is breathable and pliable with its 4-way stretch material. The shorts feel very light and give you complete convenience for high kicking and grappling your opponent.
While the material does not have side-slits and is a little thinner when compared to other MMA shorts, the 4-way stretch material with a velcro and drawstring closure aids in your range of movements. It also comes with a hidden mouthguard pocket. No matter how intense your training is, the fabric quickly dries the moisture away from its surface.
The designer has given a vibrant pattern to the shorts with a manga/anime sublimation. Overall, LAFROI has delivered well-constructed shorts at a great price.
My Verdict
Grappling shorts enhance your performance and boost your morale. Getting those suitable MMA shorts can do wonders for your game!
In my opinion, Anthem Athletics Resilience MMA Shorts is the most obvious pick. With no perceptible cons, the industry leader makes excellent quality products at a reasonable price. With a wide range of colors to choose from, Anthem Athletics Resilience MMA shorts offer great value.
That being said, all of the shorts that we’ve looked at here are fantastic. It’s now up to you to choose the shorts that are going to be most suitable for you.
MMA Shorts FAQs
Are MMA shorts comfortable?
Totally! Grappling shorts are designed to provide the utmost convenience and flexibility to fighters. They provide unrestricted leg movement during training and fighting. Rest assured, the fabrics used in any high-quality grappling shorts are breathable and comfortable.
Can I wear my MMA shorts to other combat sports?
While most other sports have their own shorts, grappling shorts are usually a valid alternative for many other types of fighting. Most MMA shorts can also be used for BJJ, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai. They can also be used for boxing training but not fighting.
What kind of shorts do MMA fighters wear?
Most fighters wear the types of shorts that we’ve looked at here. Others like the wear the compression type which many aren’t comfortable with wearing. For all-around protection and comfort, it’s a great idea to stick with grappling MMA shorts.
Can I use other types of shorts when training MMA?
It depends on what type of training you’re doing. If you’re doing light training and not sparring, then any comfortable athletic shorts will do, as long as they allow you to wear a cup. For most MMA activities, you simply want your shorts to be light and flexible.