Most UFC fighters happy with Reebok deal, some not so much

THE UFC has inked a landmark deal with Reebok to provide fighters with a fight-week uniform. But not everyone is happy about it.

Frankie Edgar, Ronda Rousey and Chris Weidman appear at the announcement of the UFC Reebok partnership.

IN TERMS of sporting organisations, the UFC is still in its infancy.

Founded in 1993, the mixed martial arts company has experienced a meteoric rise over the past decade and a landmark deal with fitness company, Reebok, is giving the UFC a new look.

A joint press release issued by the two companies announced that “Reebok will become the exclusive authentic global outfitter of UFC, creating for the first time ever UFC ‘Fight Week gear’ and a ‘Fight Night kit’ for all UFC athletes.

Up until now fighters have been able to sell advertising space and branding on their shorts as well as the sponsorship banner that is draped over the octagon during fight introductions.

However with the new deal, fighters will no longer be in a position to do that.

Many of the UFC elites took to twitter to express their opinions on the unprecedented partnership, and while most were positive, some are understandably disgruntled.

Welcome to the future! UFC / Reebok Launching International Fight Week July 2015 @UFCStore @Reebok #WhatDoYouFightFor pic.twitter.com/UvZKNHSsfq

— Dana White (@danawhite) 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.

— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) December 2, 2014

UFC knows most fighters live off of sponsors and they will find a way to compensate or come close to that I'm sure.

— Cody Bollinger (@CodyBollinger) December 2, 2014

Lots of cool things to come!! Be sure to stay tuned and make sure you follow @Reebok

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) 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

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

While those that expressed reservations about the new deal were mostly tactful, notorious lightweight fighter, Nate Diaz, was a bit more abrasive in his opposition. Diaz used a meme generator to give a giant “F*** You” to the Reebok deal. While many are waiting to see the results of the Reebok partnership, the fact that Diaz’s tweet received 553 retweets and 561 favourites suggests that many share his sentiment.

Fighters will no longer be scrambling to grab their promotional shirts and caps after the fight.

Reebok president Matt O’Toole, referred to the new deal as “a true collaboration between two great brands, which will not only give UFC a new and exciting look, but it will harness the global reach of both brands to also benefit young people around the world.”

The benefit that Mr. O’Toole alluded to will come from a charitable component to the partnership set to begin next year.

In 2015, a percentage of sales from the Reebok/UFC product will go towards an international NGO called Fight for Peace. The organisation’s stated objective is to use boxing and martial arts, combined with education and personal development, to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence.