THE UFC HAS announced that, as of July 2015, all fighters will be exclusively decked-out in Reebok apparel when competing under the promotion’s banner.
The world’s largest MMA organisation have penned a six-year-deal with the sportswear giants, which represents its most lucrative non-broadcast sponsorship to date.
The UFC is not expected to directly profit from the new alliance, with the lion’s share of revenue going to fighters. Based on the agreement, fighters will paid according to their place in the official UFC rankings in a tiered system.
Champions will be awarded the highest rate of income, below them will be those ranked 1-5, then 6-10 and so on. Fighters will also receive a 20% royalty from any UFC merchandise sold which bears their likeness, this also applies to retired athletes.
The deal also stipulates that, during fight week, existing sponsors can no longer appear on a fighter’s clothing, or their in-cage sponsor banners. Corner men and seconds will also be outfitted in Reebok wear.
Current sponsors are still entitled to patronise UFC athletes, but they must find a new way to so, as third-party brands and logos will no longer be allowed on UFC broadcasts.
Starting the week of UFC 189 in Las Vegas, what is known as the ‘athlete outfitting policy’ will take effect. All fighters will be dressed head-to-toe in Reebok, in what will essentially be a uniform. This includes pre-fight media appearances in the immediate build-up to events.
Additionally, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to Fight for Peace, a non-profit organisation, which was established to provide the people of Rio de Janeiro an alternative to the drug-trafficking lifestyle prevalent in the city.