Knockouts and eye pokes incoming.
Today (Tues., Nov. 12, 2024), Ariel Helwani reported that Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has informed the athletes competing at UFC 309 this weekend (Sat., Nov. 16, 2024) inside Madison Square Garden that they will be using the company’s old gloves that were replaced at UFC 302 earlier this year.
“UFC has informed the fighters competing on Saturday’s 309 card in NYC that they will be using the old gloves not the new ones introduced back in June, per multiple sources. Specific reason unclear at the moment,” Helwani wrote on Twitter.
UFC has informed the fighters competing on Saturday’s 309 card in NYC that they will be using the old gloves not the new ones introduced back in June, per multiple sources. Specific reason unclear at the moment.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 12, 2024
While no specific reason was given for why the fighters will be using the gloves they have worn for multiple decades, it may have something to do with the lack of knockouts since the new gloves were implemented in June.
As of Oct 11. 2024, knockouts have dropped 10% since June, which is a big problem in a sport where fans love seeing finishes that alter consciousness. Furthermore, in the last three weeks, there have been only three knockouts, including Ilia Topuira’s brutal KO of Max Holloway (watch here)
Fans have also speculated the promotion has brought back the gloves for the eye-poke king, Jon Jones, who finally returns to defend his UFC Heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic.
The one card @JonnyBones is on and they use the old gloves?
Sounds fishy. Expect to see eye pokes, folks.
— anonymemphis.eth (@anonymemphis) November 12, 2024
Nevertheless, if UFC wants violence for UFC 309, they’re going to get it (hopefully).
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 309 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET (simulcast on ESPNews at 8 p.m. ET), before the pay-per-view (PPV) main card start time at 10 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 309: “Jones vs. Miocic” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.