10 Ways UFC Has Grown In The Last 10 Years

Major ground was broken back in 2014 when UFC announced an apparel partnership with Reebok that would run for six years. The deal (worth $70 million and coming into effect in 2015) meant that Reebok would exclusively provide the gear for all athletes under UFC contract. Meaning that outside sponsors on fight week associated attire would no longer be permitted.

The move made for a giant leap forward in public perception, as it stated that UFC were now a bankable company with a globally recognised clothing brand backing their charge on the sporting world.

Earnings would now be generated based on how many fights a competitor had fought under the UFC banner.

For example, an athlete who had fought six to ten fights would earn $5,000 for wearing the Reebok brand, whereas a fighter who was the champion coming into the bout would earn $40,000.

The deal has given UFC a monopoly over apparel associated with their fighters but in doing so deprived mid-carders and up and coming fighters the chance to make money off their own work outside of the Octagon.

The deal runs until 2021 so it will be interesting to see what direction UFC go next:

Give your fighters control over their image/gear rights in the Octagon, allowing them to earn some extra cash - making for a happier roster.

Or

Strike up a new deal with Reebok, or another clothing juggernaut, that will pump a sh*t ton of money into your company - but deprive some lower tier fighters a source of income.

Decisions, decisions.