The athletes have had their say about the changing tide of sponsorship in MMA.
The UFC announced a landmark sponsorship deal with Reebok yesterday which will see every fighter on the roster be forced to wear Reebok uniforms for every promotion-based event from summer 2015. It means that fighters will no longer be allowed to wear non-Reebok apparel at any UFC event including press conferences, weigh-ins and the fights themselves.
Each fighter will receive a flat sponsorship rate based on their position in the rankings and will also get a percentage of the sales of the gear. This means that the much maligned UFC ranking system is set to become more important than ever.
The reaction to the deal has been mixed with the higher paid fighters embracing it while the athletes lower down the rankings questioning the motives behind it.
Here’s how the pros responded to the news on Twitter.
Definitely a new chapter for MMA. #Reebok #UFC
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) December 2, 2014
Interested to see what girls will have for @Reebok apparel. Hoping we have an option to wear more than sports bra and short shorts #modesty
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) December 2, 2014
UFC Reebok good for all because sponsorships hard for combat sports
"No blood on logo" is common ad buyer saying. Reebok is mainstream— Campbell McLaren (@campbellcombate) December 2, 2014
For this ufc & Reebok deal, if it's for us and not the ufc, why didn't we have any say in it? How we felt? Any information? Pay scale? #smh
— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) December 3, 2014
If some of us fighters were included, who? What was feedback? How individualized will it be? so much confusion Like wasn't well thought out
— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) December 3, 2014
Here's for your Bitchass uniforms.. http://t.co/Fqh2bAEZKC pic.twitter.com/2rYYsOI84l
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) December 3, 2014
I'd say I'm one of the biggest draws outside the UFC if any of the companies that just got shafted want to stay in the MMA market #ImHere
— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) December 2, 2014
So #UFC is implementing designated walk out uniforms! Anyone in the UFC wanna send the sponsors they are losing my way 😉
— David Rickels (@TheCaveman316) December 2, 2014
I just don't think the uniform is the way to go, another way to kill small businesses and big business to take over
— John Alessio (@johnalessio79) December 2, 2014
How many MMA clothing brands will go out of business now???? Any guesses?? I feel bad for all of them I truly do
— John Alessio (@johnalessio79) December 2, 2014
More reasons why I am close to leaving the sport of MMA, it's just not what it use to be
— John Alessio (@johnalessio79) December 2, 2014
https://twitter.com/PendredMMA/status/539884953337884673
Looks like al be digging the old pumps out pic.twitter.com/ZSiIiYpWRn
— Robert Whiteford (@Flyinjudoka) December 2, 2014
So excited to have @Reebok and @UFC partnering to create the best gear for fighters and fans! Happy to be a part of these amazing teams.
— . (@JohnyHendricks) December 2, 2014
Lots of cool things to come!! Be sure to stay tuned and make sure you follow @Reebok
— BONY (@JonnyBones) December 2, 2014
Sneak peak at new @ufc uniforms @MMARoasted @danawhite @lorenzofertitta @Reebok pic.twitter.com/FgRmS5Vj7a
— Junior Hernandez (@86_JRHernandez) December 2, 2014
