Although groin shots are DEFINITELY illegial in MMA, there are a lot of times that accidents happen.  Even when training in Brazilian jiu jitsu, wrestling, or nogi grappling, it’s not uncommin to get a shot in the groin.  Your best bet is to protect yourself at all times (this goes for you too ladies!).  Most gyms that we’ve been to require you to wear a cup to participate in class.  Even if they don’t require cups, we’d be hesitant to participate in live sparring or rolling without one.  If you choose not to, you have nobody else to blame when you get injured,

 

With that said, cups have really progressed a long way since their inception.  You could be fine with any cup that you get from your general Dick’s Sporting goods or other type of store.  The thing is that most cups are solid all the way through.  We’ve seen plenty of people stop wearing them because they’re uncomfortable while rolling or kicking because they rub against the edge of your groin area.

 

The top cups today for mma have a hard front with padded sides.  We would suggest looking into Jaco or Shock Doctor.  Scroll down for more information on these brands.

 

 

Compression shorts are much more secure than your traditional jock strap, but they are also much more expensive.  Along with the increased expense is also the benefit of moisture wicking fabric to help keep your dry (VERY nice for long training sessions).  We would suggest trying both and seeing which you prefer.

Those cups your mentioned aren’t made out of steel.  I thought I needed a steel cup?

If you’re doing full contact kickboxing, you can look into them.  We know a lot of Muay Thai practitioners who swear by them.  But, they are definitely way more than you need for BJJ or grappling.

Other than a mouthguard, there really isn’t anything you need more than a cup.  Get used to wearing one if you ever want to compete.  Most competitions (except for the IBJJF) require you to wear them.

Below are 3 great options for anybody looking into buying the best cup for mma:

Good: Shock Doctor Ultra Supporter with Power Carbon Flex Cup

 
Shock Doctor Ultra Supporter with Power Carbon Flex Cup

For those of us on a budget, the Shock Doctor Ultra Supporter provides the top cup technology with a high quality jock strap system.  It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a compression short, but it does its job and, as this is something we have PERSONALLY used, we can attest that the cup is the best out there.
 

Better:  Shock Doctor Ultra LAX Short with BioFlex Cup
 

Shock Doctor Ultra LAX Short with BioFlex Cup

 The Shock Doctor Ultra LAX Short with the Bioflex cup is one of the best bang-for-your-buck groin protectors.  You can use it for grappling or striking or for both!  There is rubber in the waistband and the legs to keep them from riding up.  While light and airy, the material is strong and durable enough to survive the most intense training.

 

Best: Shock Doctor Ultra MMA Padded Compression Short

Shock Doctor Ultra MMA Padded Compression Short

 These shorts are amazing first because they keep your cup in place while the shorts move along with you.  Welded compression foam protects your inner thigh and outer hip from impact (PERFECT for those who train striking or are new to MMA).  Just like the Ultra LAX model, rubber grippers keep the short from sliding up your leg or getting twisted around during training.  The short is made of 4-way stretch material that is light and airy, smooth seams, and a high quality and durable cup pocket.  This is definitely the best cup for mma.

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