“China Made or What?”: Islam Makhachev Questions UFC Glove Quality After In-Ring Mishap

Islam Makhachev is officially back in fight mode, but his training gear seems to be giving him more trouble than his opponents.

The UFC Welterweight Champion is currently putting the final touches on his training camp ahead of his title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, during a recent hard sparring session, the Dagestani superstar ran into an unexpected issue with his official fight kit.

After peeling off his gear, Makhachev noticed dark, mysterious smudges left behind on his palms and knuckles. Unimpressed by the dye bleeding straight through to his skin, the champ did not hold back.

“Bro what is this? The gloves bro," Makhachev joked to his team, holding up his stained hands. "Call Dana bro, China made or what? Or is it fake?”

UFC's Glove Complaints Continue with Islam Makhachev

While Makhachev handled the moment with his typical dry humor, the incident reopens an ongoing debate about the quality control of official fight gear. The UFC rolled out revamped 3-ounce gloves back in June 2024 at UFC 302, promising a lighter design intended to cut down on eye pokes and hand injuries. Yet, fighters have occasionally voiced frustration over stiffness, fit, and now, cheap manufacturing details like runny leather dye.

Gear complaints aside, Makhachev (28-1 MMA) enters his upcoming bout on a ridiculous 16-fight winning streak. The 34-year-old pound-for-pound king captured 170-pound gold at UFC 322 last November, putting on a clinic against Jack Della Maddalena to earn a crisp unanimous decision victory.

He now looks to solidify his reign atop the division against the surging Garry (17-1 MMA), who earned his shot after dispatching former champ Belal Muhammad and knockout artist Carlos Prates.

Garry has been vocal about his plans to knock the champion out cold, but Makhachev remains unfazed. He believes his wrestling base and elite control will carry him to an early night.

"I can make this fight easy," Makhachev declared during the pre-fight build-up. "I just have to follow my plan and I can beat him in the first round."

UFC CEO Dana White might want to double-check the glove inventory before his champion steps back inside the Octagon. If Makhachev manages to dispatch Garry in round one as promised, at least he won't have to spend too many minutes sweating through his equipment.