UFC Fighters Can Still Have Individual Sponsors For Outside Events

ByJosh Sanchez|

While UFC fighters must wear Reebok apparel for all official UFC appearances and inside of the Octagon, they can continue to have individual sponsors for outside events.

On Tuesday, the Ultimate Fighting Championship announced an exclusive, six-year deal with Reebok. The deal makes Reebok the official apparel sponsor of the UFC and all fighters will receive apparel packages at the beginning of fight week beginning on July 6, 2015 — in conjuction with 2015 International Fight Week.

More from MMA

The news has been met with mixed reaction — especially with news that UFC rankings will determine what tier the fighters fall into — and then there is a question of whether this limits a fighter’s chance at earning income.

While there is no doubt the UFC-Reebok apparel deal benefits the top stars in the sport more, there will still be a chance for all fighters to earn additional income with individual sponsors for appearances outside of the UFC.

From the official press release:

"Athletes can continue to maintain their individual apparel and non-apparel sponsors outside all UFC events, and existing or prospective sponsors may use an athlete’s name and likeness. But they cannot use UFC trademarks unless they have a direct commercial relationship with UFC."

That is no different than what you see in any other professional sport.

Of course, athletes in the other major sports leagues receive a significantly higher salary so they do not rely as heavily on the sponsoryship money, so we will have to wait until the new deal is implemented to hear from those who are having the deal directly impact their bank accounts.

What are your thoughts on the new UFC uniform deal? Sound off in the comments section below.

More from FanSided