2. Sneak Preview Of The New Apparel Deal With Reebok
UFC recently announced an exclusive six-year outfitter and apparel deal with Reebok which has been met with a mixed response within the sport. Some feel this will be a great source revenue for the fighters while others believe it will limit options since outside sponsors will no longer be permitted at an official UFC event beginning in July 2015. Industry insiders also feel this move will stifle fighter individuality because everyone will look the same inside the cage. This supposedly cements the notion that UFC wants the attraction to be its brand and not the fighters. There are still some unanswered questions such as how will Demetrious Johnsons Xbox sponsorship be effected? He is the flyweight title holder and champions get paid the most with the new tier payment system. Johny Hendricks and Anthony Pettis were sponsored by Reebok on Saturday night and they both had their own gear and walkout shirts with different color schemes and designs. Their sponsorship shows that the global sports outfitter is committed to marketing the fighters in a way that highlights their individuality.