High-split gladiator shorts are a specialized style of MMA shorts designed with a pronounced side slit on each leg to improve mobility and comfort. These shorts have become popularized by champions like Jon Jones, Charles Oliveira, and other top fighters due to their superior range of motion and stylish appearance. This construction reduces restriction around the hips and thighs, allowing fighters to move freely during striking, grappling, and transitional movements. High-split shorts have become increasingly popular in modern MMA and are widely recognized as performance-focused fight shorts with high side split construction.
In combat sports such as MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, apparel plays a direct role in athletic performance. MMA shorts with high side split designs allow athletes to strike, sprawl, grapple, and transition without fabric interference. High-split gladiator shorts are built to support fast, dynamic movement across multiple combat sports disciplines.
For a behind-the-scenes look at how these shorts were developed at Kickin' Combat, see this article.
High-split gladiator shorts are performance-driven MMA shorts designed to maximize mobility, comfort, and freedom of movement. Featuring a high side slit construction, they support striking, grappling, and fast transitions across multiple combat sports, making them a popular choice for athletes who prioritize unrestricted motion and functional design.
We here at Kickin' Combat do not claim to have invented high-split shorts, but we were among the early brands to offer high-split gladiator shorts at scale and at an accessible price. When options in this category were limited, we chose to meet the growing demand. Our focus has always been on producing durable, functional, and performance-driven shorts that cater to the needs of MMA fighters and enthusiasts. Today, our MMA shorts with high side split construction are designed to support unrestricted movement during both training and competition.
High-split gladiator shorts are used for MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The side slit improves mobility and allows athletes to kick, sprawl, grapple, and transition without fabric restriction during training or competition.
High-split shorts are often preferred for MMA because they allow a greater range of motion than standard MMA shorts. The side slit reduces resistance around the hips and thighs, which supports striking, takedowns, scrambles, and ground movement.
The side slit increases flexibility and comfort by allowing the shorts to move naturally with the hips and legs. This makes them ideal fight shorts with high side split construction for dynamic combat sports movements.
Yes. High-split gladiator shorts are suitable for no-gi grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The open leg design supports unrestricted movement during guard work, passing, scrambles, and transitions.
Compression shorts are not required, but many athletes choose to wear them underneath. Compression shorts provide additional coverage, support, and comfort, particularly during intense training sessions or competition.
