<P> In response to the criticism , the UFC increased cooperation with state athletic commissions and redesigned its rules to remove the less palatable elements of fights while retaining the core elements of striking and grappling . UFC 12 saw the introduction of weight classes and the banning of fish - hooking . For UFC 14 , gloves became mandatory , while kicks to the head of a downed opponent were banned . UFC 15 saw limitations on hair pulling , and the banning of strikes to the back of the neck and head , headbutting , small - joint manipulations , and groin strikes . With five - minute rounds introduced at UFC 21 , the UFC gradually re-branded itself as a sport rather than a spectacle . </P>
<P> In response to the criticism , the UFC increased cooperation with state athletic commissions and redesigned its rules to remove the less palatable elements of fights while retaining the core elements of striking and grappling . UFC 12 saw the introduction of weight classes and the banning of fish - hooking . For UFC 14 , gloves became mandatory , while kicks to the head of a downed opponent were banned . UFC 15 saw limitations on hair pulling , and the banning of strikes to the back of the neck and head , headbutting , small - joint manipulations , and groin strikes . With five - minute rounds introduced at UFC 21 , the UFC gradually re-branded itself as a sport rather than a spectacle . </P>
when did they start using gloves in ufc
when did they start using gloves in ufc
UFC 14
UFC 14