12 Best MMA Heavy Bags On The Market (2023 Review)

The heavy bag is a fighter's best friend. Out of all gym and fighting equipment, it is the one that every fighter spends the most time on. For sure, everyone has their own preferences of the type of heavy bag they train on. One thing is for sure though, a heavy bag will take your skills and conditioning to the next level.

There are tons of shops and brands that claim to have the best MMA heavy bags to aid your training. The problem is, that not all live up to their promises. A heavy bag is an example of a piece of training equipment that you will use for a considerable amount of time, thus quality is important.

In addition, there are different types of heavy bags for different purposes too. What decides the best MMA heavy bags is your preference and the applicability of it to your training. In light of this, the MMA heavy bags described below are the best for each type and use. On the current market, these products have excellent reviews.

You might be wondering what the best training bag or heavy bags you can use for training are. If this is your dilemma, then you have come to the right place. In this review, I will provide a list of some of the best bags you can use to help you take your MMA skills to the next level.

I also reviewed other combat sports brands in the past. You may check them out if you like—Best Shin Guards, Best MMA Gear Brands, Best MMA Gloves for Women, Best Women Fighting Shorts, and Best MMA Shoes for Women.

Buyer’s Guide

Before anything else, let me just say that training equipment like heavy bags are a huge investment. Decent heavy bags costs above a hundred dollars. To ensure that you can use the equipment for a long time and that it gives you the benefits you expect from a heavy bag, you should pay close attention to the equipment's general quality.

So, you must take note that there are several factors to consider when looking for the best MMA heavy bags that can suit your preferences. Below is a list that you can refer to help you with your future purchases.

Quality

Well, this is a no-brainer. The overall quality of the heavy bug is the number one factor to consider. Sellers will, and must, indicate the details of manufacturing the product. With this, you’ll get a hint at its durability and applicability.

Most of the time, to ensure quality, it is best to stick with well-known and reputable brands such as those listed in this review. Always remember that when investing in pricey training equipment, always choose quality over quantity. 

Set-up

There are several ways to set up punching bags, and it will vary depending on what type you’ll be using. A training bag and a heavy bag, for instance, can be set up by hanging them from your ceiling. Other bags, like the Century Wavemaster, can be mounted.

But if you ask my opinion, I recommend punching bags that are hanging and suspended mid-air. The reason for such is that those that are mounted can limit low-kicks. Nevertheless, both are excellent for mixed martial arts training.

Materials Used

As you’ve read above, manufacturers will and must indicate the details of the product. The kind of material utilized is a vital piece of information. Either real leather or fake leather is used to make heavy bags.

Each of them has its advantage and disadvantage, but it ultimately depends on your personal preference. Genuine leather is more comfortable and durable than artificial leather. The only downside, however, is that most of them are very expensive. On the other hand, synthetic leather is a lot cheaper but durable nevertheless.

Weight

Most of you won’t think that the weight of a heavy bag matters, however, it does. The fillers used have a significant effect on the weight of the bags.

Some of the common fillers used include corn cob, rice husk, sand, wood shaving, water, gel, or old clothes. Which filler you used also depends on your personal preference. But if you’re a beginner, I recommend old clothes because they are safer to use than anything else.

Weight plays a big part in training because lighter bags tend to sway more, helping you get used to movements and tempo. On the other hand, heavier bags don’t budge as much, and it will definitely help you establish power punches.

The 12 Best MMA Heavy Bags For Fighters

1. Everlast Traditional Heavy Bag

The Everlast brand needs no introduction. They are probably the most recognizable brands when it comes to combat sports. This brand is well-known for its boxing gloves or training gear such as the Everlast Traditional Heavy Bag. Such a punching bag is in production for years, which says a lot about the quality of the gear.

As with all Everlast heavy bags, this product features premium synthetic leather with reinforced webbing that will ensure long-lasting durability.

With this being said, you can never go wrong with this brand of training bags. The Everlast Traditional Bags are medium heavy. This means that it provides good swings to help you work on your footwork, aside from improving your punching power.

2. Everlast Nevatear 70-Pound Training Bag

The Everlast Nevatear is a 70-pound heavy bag. It may not be as heavy as other brands included in this list, but they are durable and can resist hard impacts.

The Everlast training bags have undergone several version modifications in the past decades or so. Yet, they have consistently upheld their quality over time, which is why it is still favored over competing brands today.

Also, it lives up to its name “Nevatear” or probably slang for “never tear” because the training bag is heavy-duty. But what makes them ideal is that it’s a bit lighter compared to its competitors. Thus, it provides enough swings to help you improve your footwork as well.

3. Fairtex Teardrop Leather MMA Muay Thai Bag

Fairtex is a popular combat sports brand. And most of their gears are handmade in Thailand. With this being said, you can be assured of the quality of the gears they make. One example of the brand’s excellence is the Fairtex Teardrop Leather MMA Bag.

As the term suggests, it is specially designed to help fighters train for MMA and Muay Thai to improve their game. The training bag is made of premium quality leather that is very durable and can withstand heavy impacts. The interior is filled with a combination of sand cloth.

The Fairtex Teardrop Leather MMA Bag is heavy-duty that is built to last. It is water-resistant, which means that you no longer have to worry about sweat messing up your training bags.

4. Fairtex Banana Bag

The Banana-type training bags are specifically designed for combat sports like kickboxing and Muay Thai. This famed design is intended to provide a full body training workout.

Usually, these types of training bags tower at 6 feet tall. And most banana bags are this tall because they help the fighters improve not only their punches but also the accuracy of their kicks.

This may be the case, the banana bags are still suitable for other combat sports like boxing and mixed-martial arts. Unlike the previously discussed Fairtex training bags, the Fairtex Banana Bag is made of synthetic leather but of high-quality either way.

An extra nylon lining is also added that makes the training bag extra durable and resistant to tearing even during constant high-impact punches.

5. Outslayer Filled Heavy Bag

The Outslayer Filled Heavy Bag is another example of punching bags that are made of premium quality leather. As the term suggests, they are heavy (about 100-pounds to be exact). Not only that, but they are called as the "gold standard of heavy bags" due to its durability.

This bag is filled with fabric, making it heavy-duty. It is equipped with a D-ring sewn to the bottom of the punching bag secures it to the floor or a sand bag if you prefer. Also, the straps are made up of the same material as the punching bag itself, so you don't need chains to mount it.

If you want to add extra weight to the punching bags, you may do so up-to about 300-pounds. They are also 6-feet tall, which makes them excellent for any combat sports. But since they are heavy, expect not much swinging when throwing punches.

6. Combat Sports 100-Pound Heavy Bag

The Combat Sports 100-pound Heavy Bag is made of synthetic leather. The combination of factors such as synthetic leather and being heavy-duty makes them built to last for many years. Due to its length, this bag is highly rated for MMA use since it allows kicks.

The heavy bag is resistant to heavy impact and wear and tear. This is also true even if you use them constantly. As with other brands of heavy bags, they do not produce enough swinging when it receives punches or kicks.

The price of the bags is competitive compared to other brands. Overall, the Combat Sports 100-pound Heavy Bag is a great buy if you want to move up your game to the next level.

7. Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag

The Century Wavemaster is a standing training bag that stands 69 inches tall and 18 inches wide. It is especially perfect for mixed martial arts because such a diameter enables you to improve the intensity and accuracy of your kicks since you can strike in a much larger area.

This training bag is made of durable materials, thus, it can absorb high-intensity impacts and is very resistant to wear and tear. You might not think that it is, but the this heavy bag is easily portable. Just tip it into the edge and rotate to make it roll. The wide base also prevents it from flipping over easily when you throw power punches or kicks.

The downside of the Century Wavemaster Training Bag is it limits low kicks. They are apparently ideal for improving your high kicks. But overall, this training bag is a great buy and I consider it one of the best MMA heavy bags and one of the best brands if you’re looking for bags that can improve your MMA skills.

8. Gold BJJ 100lb Heavy Bag

Gold BJJ may be a brand that focuses on equipment, apparel, and gear mostly for BJJ, but their products for other combat sports are as competitive as the ones that dominate the market. An example of this is their Gold BJJ Filled Heavy Bag.

This product can either be purchased prefilled or empty, it all depends on your choice and budget. This heavy bag is quite luxurious and is of gym-grade quality. If you opt to purchase prefilled, you will receive a properly balanced to weight of 100 lbs with shredded cotton to maintain its form and weight during many years of use.

One feature that makes this heavy bag stand out is its very easy mounting. The D-ring straps enable users to easily setup, and it also prevents any metal-on-metal friction produced by chains.

9. FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag

The FITVEN freestanding punching bag is currently the number 1 best selling punching bag on Amazon. It's not surprising that it's one of the top MMA heavy bags when the item has appealing characteristics, is of high caliber, and is offered at a competitive price.

First of all, the FITVEN freestanding punching bag has outstanding mechanics in the boxing standpoint. It is equipped with 4 springs that allows for fast rebounding after punching. However if you want more intensive strength training, you can also remove the springs to minimize the vibrations and swaying. 

Since it is a freestanding bag, you can strike 360 degrees. It has an ABS round base that creates a smooth roll relocation when punching so it moves naturally. To lessen movements, you can fill up the base with water or sand, and on top of that, it is equipped with suction cups.

It is so easy to assemble, plus it comes with a free pair of Boxing gloves. The density of the punching bag is balanced which is not too hard and not too soft, optimal for everyone. Material wise, the bag is made up of tear-resistant PU leather to ensure durability.

10. RDX Punching Bag Heavy Boxing Bag

If you want a complete package punching bag, you should take a look at the RDX heavy bag. At a very affordable price, you get a complete 8 piece set which comes with a set of punching gloves, a heavy-duty chain, wall bracket, D-shackle, hand wraps, and an added jump rope. It's really a one of the best MMA heavy bags sets in the market!

The RDX punching bag has a high quality double-layered leather which makes it tear-resistant. It's mesh weave coating and MAYA hide leather makes it super durable. What I like about this bag is that it is filled with shredded textiles that allows maximum force dispersion, absorbing shock to protect your hands and wrists. It also incredibly returns to shape quickly too.

The bag and its filling is closed with a heavy-duty zipper. With that, you can remove the pre-fills and fill the bag with whatever material you want to put it, depending on what you think can make your workout more challenging. And lastly, don't worry because the bag is water-proof!

11. Title Boxing Leather Professional Choice Heavy Bag

The Title Boxing brand has been a standard for many gyms and fighters worldwide, over the years. It is best for strength training and conditioning since it is a very heavy bag and the touch to it is tough. Specially packed with blended poly-fiber fillers, the shape of the heavy bag is kept round and cylindrical due to the poly sponge rubber packed inside.

The outside shell is made of durable 1.2 mm PU grain 186 vinyl material for optimum durability. It has a moisture-repellent cover to prevent it from easily getting damaged and catching stinky smell. The entire design is coupled with CN-3 cross-weave canvas backing that adds extra strength. The center weight is perfectly aligned with precision for maximum force dispersion and balance.

The heavy boxing bag comes with a heavy-duty steel hanging chain with an attached swivel. It has an attached tie-down D-ring on the bottom to keep it perpendicular to the floor. The ventilated top is crafted for weight adjustment as per requirement.

For conditioned fighters, even though the bag is tough, it alleviates sore knuckles, wrists, elbows, and shoulders without compromising on performance.

12. Ringside 100-pound Powerhide Boxing Punching Bag

If you have been training boxing or MMA for a long time, you'll know and recognize the brand Ringside. This brand is trusted in the industry and has been one of the best providers for fighting equipment and apparel from gloves, shoes, and punching bags. So, a list like this wouldn't be complete without including their excellent heavy bag.

Ringside's 100-pound Powerhide heavy bag is extremely durable. It's leather is top-notch and its construction is well built, guaranteeing you that it can last for many years. This bag includes a chain and swivel for hanging, as well as a D-ring on the bottom to anchor it to the floor to limit movement. It’s easy to set up because the bag comes pre-filled, and it's ready to hang right out of the box once a bracket is installed.

This punching bag is only available in a soft pre-fill. It's soft enough to protect your knuckles, joints, and other vulnerable sports, but still tough enough to serve you what you need in a boxing and MMA workout.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it. This ends the list of the best MMA heavy bags for fighters. I hope this review has helped you in selecting which product and brand will you want to aid you in your training. No matter what you choose, you can never go wrong with any of the brands listed in this review because these are currently the best rated heavy bags on the market.

One final piece of advice, though, I have mentioned this earlier, and I just want to reiterate to always put quality over cost. There are cheaper brands offered by unknown companies, but the quality and level of safety of these brands are substandard and incomparable to those offered by well-known brands.

Heavy Bags are expensive, especially to those fighters who do not have enough funds to cover their training. Be wise on your purchases and treat it as a long term investment. It's better to buy a pricey heavy bag that will serve you for years to come, than something cheap that will only probably last for a few months.

Also, please do take note of the buyer's guide that I have included here so that you can be more knowledgeable with the entire idea of a heavy bag. So I guess that’s just about it! Thank you for taking the time off and reading my best MMA heavy bags review!

Featured Image Credits to Embed from Getty Images