Okay, so I’ve been getting into UFC lately, right? The fights are intense, and I got to thinking, “How do these guys not lose all their teeth?” That’s when I realized: mouthguards. Not just any mouthguards, but some serious, top-of-the-line stuff. So, I started looking into what kind of mouthguards UFC fighters use.
First, I checked out this brand called OPRO. They have this Silver model that they say is “match level” and good for any sport. I read that they use some kind of special stuff called Biomaster, which they say helps stop bacteria from growing on the mouthguard. Sounds pretty good, right? I mean, hygiene is important, especially when something’s going in your mouth.
Then, I found out about this other company, Gladiator. They’re apparently the go-to for LeBron James. Big-time stuff, huh? They claim their mouthguards are super thin but still offer a ton of protection. They say it’s because of some special design that cuts out all the extra material. This got me thinking about comfort, you know? If I’m going to wear this thing, I don’t want it to feel like I’ve got a brick in my mouth.
So, I started reading about why these mouthguards are so important. I mean, obviously, they protect your teeth, but there’s more to it. They help prevent your teeth from getting knocked out or chipped, which is kind of a big deal in a sport where you’re getting punched in the face. It seems like the UFC has some pretty strict rules about mouthguards, too. So, I wanted to use a professional-grade mouthguard.
I thought about getting a custom-made one, but man, those things are expensive. I was looking for something more budget-friendly, but still good quality. I found this guide online about the best MMA mouthguards for 2024, and it had some decent options. Most of them were the boil-and-bite kind, which seemed easy enough. You just boil them, bite down, and they mold to your teeth. There was one from OPRO for braces, too, which was interesting. It comes with this cradle thing that’s supposed to make fitting it really simple. I don’t have braces, but it’s good to know they have options for people who do.
- OPRO Silver: Match level, Biomaster anti-bacterial stuff.
- Gladiator: Thin design, LeBron’s choice, focus on comfort.
- Boil-and-bite: Affordable, easy to fit, lots of options.
In the end, I decided to try the OPRO Silver. It seemed like a good balance of quality and price, and the anti-bacterial thing was a big plus for me. I ordered one online, and it arrived a few days later. The fitting process was pretty straightforward. I boiled it, bit down, and it molded to my teeth pretty well. It felt a little weird at first, but I got used to it. I haven’t gotten punched in the face yet (thankfully), so I can’t say for sure how well it works in a real fight. But, it feels secure and comfortable, and that’s good enough for me for now. I’ve been wearing it during my training sessions, and it’s been great. I feel more confident knowing my teeth are protected. Plus, it’s kind of cool to think I’m using the same kind of gear as the pros.
So, that’s my little journey into the world of UFC mouthguards. I started with curiosity, did some research, tried one out, and now I’m a believer. If you’re into any kind of contact sport, I definitely recommend looking into a good mouthguard. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of pain and money in the long run.
