Dana White warned about alarming decrease in KOs after introduction of new gloves
Over the years, the UFC has experienced significant growth in various areas. Its accomplishments extend across different domains, from its overall business value to its
Over the years, the UFC has experienced significant growth in various areas. Its accomplishments extend across different domains, from its overall business value to its esteemed reputation among the general public. However, concerns have been raised by an MMA enthusiast regarding the new UFC gloves, which might worry Dana White.
According to several reports, it appeared to be an exceptional year. However, concealed beneath these positive statistics is a worrying pattern. At UFC 302 in June of this year, Dana White and the organization implemented a subtle yet impactful change—introducing new gloves. Nevertheless, it seems that things have taken a negative turn. A netizen, Hayden Iverson, shared in a series of Instagram posts.
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Iverson’s analysis indicates that the data is unambiguous. Per his stat, the knockout to decision rate drastically fluctuated since the arrival of the new gloves. Interestingly, in 2023, 48.7% were decisions and 31.4% were knockouts. However, since May 2024, 60.3% were decisions and 22.9% were knockouts. This shift holds significance for a sport that relies on high-intensity finishes.
A few recent main event fights have disappointed, ending in decisions rather than exciting knockouts. This trend was particularly noticeable in the recent Noche UFC (UFC 306) championship fights. While decision victories may not seem catastrophic at first glance, knockouts are what truly captivate and engage both hardcore and casual fans. Even Dana White has expressed his bewilderment at this concerning pattern.
Dana White believes the fall in knockout rate is just a coincidence
In recent years, combat sports fans have seen some of the most brutal knockouts in history. However, since introducing new gloves, the frequency of knockouts in fights seems to have decreased. Interestingly, several fighters have criticized the new gloves. As such, they have pointed out a few objections to it. Following that, even Dana White has made comments about them.
Dana White was confused after watching back-to-back decisions in main-event fights (Image via Imago)
The promotion announced those gloves at UFC 300. This raised the community’s anticipation for thrilling and intense matches. However, the much-anticipated excitement failed to materialize. Several months later, at UFC 303, White openly expressed his and his colleague Hunter Campbell’s bewilderment at the reduced number of knockouts.
Let me tell you what, me and [Hunter Campbell] were looking at each other like, ‘Are these gloves fu—ked up?‘ Believe me, we were saying the same thing. You guys had us wondering, too … I don’t know. I think it’s just a coincidence
Dana White via UFC 303 Post-Fight Press Conference
Dana White is asked, with all of the KO’s tonight, should everyone stop complaining about the new gloves? pic.twitter.com/IVQuoBmezM
Before White’s comments at UFC 303, the highlight of the main event was Alex Pereira’s devastating head kick to knock out Jiri Prochazka. However, this remarkable victory did not involve the use of gloves. Several months later, at the recent UFC 307, Pereira showcased his prowess once again. However, this time with gloves, Pereira dominated Khalil Rountree, leaving a visible impact on Rountree’s face.
