What is written on the taped-up hands of mma fighters and why?
November 28, 2011 5:53 PM Subscribe
I like to watch The Ultimate Fighter and sometimes I see the taped-up hands of the fighters and there's something written on them in marker. What is usually written? Are those the initials of the person who taped them up? Why do they do this? Is it tradition? Is there a technical reason for it? I'm curious. Thanks!
From wikipedia: In competition gloves are laced up and then sealed with tape before the match. The tape is then signed by an official to ensure that it is not tampered with.
I assume if the Ultimate Fighters are bareknuckle (aside from the tape) there is still an official verifying that they're not sticking any metal under the tape or anything.
posted by ghharr at 6:17 PM on November 28, 2011
I assume if the Ultimate Fighters are bareknuckle (aside from the tape) there is still an official verifying that they're not sticking any metal under the tape or anything.
posted by ghharr at 6:17 PM on November 28, 2011
Best answer: The initials are of an official or a fighting commission/governing body representative. Fighters tape their hands to reduce the impact on their fist when they hit*, and there are rules governing tape and gauze on the hand to cut down on the advantage to a fighter and the danger to his opponent. An official watches the taping to ensure that the trainer or taper doesn't use more than the permissible amount of tape or add any hardening agent.
*The wrap is several yards of gauze held in place by surgical tape, usually.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 6:18 PM on November 28, 2011
*The wrap is several yards of gauze held in place by surgical tape, usually.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 6:18 PM on November 28, 2011
Related: There was a rather (in)famous incident in boxing recently where Antonio Margarito was busted for illegally hardened handwraps.
posted by drjimmy11 at 8:16 PM on November 28, 2011
posted by drjimmy11 at 8:16 PM on November 28, 2011
I assume if the Ultimate Fighters are bareknuckle (aside from the tape)
They wear light, open-fingered gloves.
posted by coolguymichael at 9:25 AM on November 29, 2011
They wear light, open-fingered gloves.
posted by coolguymichael at 9:25 AM on November 29, 2011
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posted by sharkfu at 6:16 PM on November 28, 2011 [1 favorite]