Islam Makhachev Questions UFC Gloves Quality in Training
Islam Makhachev raised concerns about the quality of his official UFC gloves during a recent training session, joking that the black residue left on his hands made it look like he had been working in a coal mine rather than sparring on the mats.
The welterweight champion shared the moment while preparing for his first title defense. Makhachev holds a 28-1 record and sits atop the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings as he gets ready to face Ian Machado Garry this Saturday.
In footage from the gym, Makhachev held up his hands to show the dark marks after removing a pair of black UFC gloves. A training partner asked if the stains came from the equipment.
Makhachev responded by examining the gloves more closely. “Looks like you weren’t training on mats, but working in a coal mine,” one teammate said.
The champion then turned toward the camera and made a direct request. “Call Dana, bro. What is this? China made or what? Or it’s fake?”
Makhachev continued inspecting the gloves while speaking in Russian, asking teammates to relay the message and questioning whether the pair was legitimate or poorly made. The exchange drew laughs from those around him at the Nick Catone MMA facility.
The lighthearted complaint comes just days before UFC 330. Makhachev will defend the welterweight title against Garry on August 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
Garry enters the bout with a 17-1 record and the No. 1 ranking in the division. The Irish contender earned the shot with recent wins, including a decision over former champion Belal Muhammad.
Makhachev claimed the 170-pound belt with a dominant unanimous decision over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025. That victory extended his UFC winning streak to 16 fights, tying the promotional record previously held by Anderson Silva.
The gloves issue appears tied to the intensity of his current camp. Makhachev has been putting in heavy work on the mats, as evidenced by the sweat-soaked gear and the residue that transferred onto his skin.
Fighters occasionally comment on equipment during training camps, especially when the stakes are high. Makhachev’s remarks highlight the physical demands of preparing for a five-round title fight while keeping the tone playful rather than confrontational.
With the event only a few days away, Makhachev is expected to continue his final preparations in Philadelphia. The welterweight title bout headlines a card that also features a strawweight championship clash between Mackenzie Dern and Gillian Robertson.
Makhachev remains focused on extending his dominance at 170 pounds. The upcoming matchup against Garry will test whether the champion can continue his historic run inside the Octagon.