UFC dumps Reebok, Venum is now the new outfitting partner
Reebok has been the official outfitting partner of the UFC for the past six years. The deal marked a significant change in aesthetics as fighters would now have a uniformed fight kit. Previously, fighters were allowed to wear their own gear and have their own sponsors.
The agreement was met with pushback as details emerged showing fighters were receiving less pay.
Many believed that the UFC would not renew the deal with Reebok due to the pushback by many fighters regarding pay.
The UFC announced today that Venum will now be the official outfitting and apparel partner starting in 2021.
Image via @ufc on Twitter
The exact terms of the agreement have not been released but the UFC insisted that the fees paid to fighters will go up under the new deal with Venum.
“All of our athletes will be getting an increase in fees,” UFC chief operating officer Lawrence Epstein told Sportico. “We haven’t set the exact numbers, but we are committed to a meaningful increase.”
Franck Dupuis, Venum founder, and chief executive added: “Venum is a brand that has grown alongside the sport of MMA as it has exploded in popularity around the world. We are both proud and grateful, as this agreement signifies the success of our journey over the past fifteen years.”
Reebok will continue to be the UFC’s official footwear provider through 2021. Venum will not be manufacturing footwear.
UFC president Dana White announced the deal and made the following comments regarding the new deal with Venum.
“We’re pumped that Venum will be joining us as our new exclusive global outfitting and apparel partner,” UFC president Dana White stated. “Venum is an iconic combat sports brand that understands the unique needs of MMA athletes. Franck Dupuis and his team at Venum have the technical knowledge and experience that will produce world-class UFC fight kits and apparel. We’re looking forward to collaborating with them on this next evolution of UFC’s outfitting program.”
“We appreciate the partnership with Reebok over the past six years,” White stated. “It was a groundbreaking deal that elevated both of our brands. We’re pleased that Reebok will continue with us as the official footwear provider of UFC through 2021.”
What are your thoughts on the switch from Reebok to Venum?
