Fighters Only Partners with Tapout

It was announced today that Fighter’s Only magazine has entered into a partnership with Tapout Clothing to launch a specialty line of Fighters Only apparel.

Here’s a snippet of the press release, and it’s followed by some Payout Perspective:

 FIGHTERS ONLY TEAMS WITH TAPOUT TO LAUNCH CLOTHING LINE

 

Premier Mixed Martial Arts Apparel Company to Produce Apparel for Men and Women

 

GRAND TERRACE, Calif., (November 4, 2009) Fighters Only, the world’s leading Mixed Martial Arts lifestyle magazine, struck a landmark deal with MMA’s premiere lifestyle brand, TapouT, to launch a line of specialty Fighters Only apparel. A selection of men’s and women’s t-shirts and hoodies will hit online and high street stores in November with additional items, including shorts and accessories, to follow in 2010.

 

Rob Hewitt, President and CEO of Fighters Only said: “At Fighters Only we strive to achieve the highest levels of production quality and creativity in everything we do, whether its producing a magazine, staging an awards show or designing a clothing range. TapouT is the biggest MMA apparel company in the world and the perfect partner for the Fighters Only brand and we’re delighted that they are partnering us in this exciting venture.”

 

“TapouT is thrilled to team with Fighters Only to provide mixed-martial arts fans another extension to express their passion for the sport,” said Marc Kreiner, TapouT Chairman and President. “Their reputation within the industry, matched with our connection to fans and unprecedented distribution, will aid TapouT’s global expansion.”

 

“TapouT and Fighters Only share a vision to continue the rapid growth of mixed martial arts worldwide,” said Dan Caldwell, TapouT Founder and CEO. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment and enthusiasm for the sport.”

 

To buy Fighters Only clothing online visit www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/shop or www.tapout.com.

 

About TapouT

 

TapouT is the world`s leading mixed-martial arts apparel, gear and lifestyle brand on the market today. TapouT started as a vision by Co-Founder Charles “Mask” Lewis Jr., and has since become a pioneer of the MMA movement and a $100 million empire. Representing some of the biggest MMA superstars including Chuck Liddell, Frank Shamrock, Thiago Alves and Anthony Johnson, TapouT produces the hottest apparel for men, women and children. Their distinctive, authentic logo graces everything from clothing, accessories, and gear, to nutrition products and a magazine. TapouT is also the exclusive apparel sponsor for Spike TV`s “The Ultimate Fighter” through 2011.

 

For millions of fans worldwide, the TapouT lifestyle inspires those to reach their goals and know that anything is possible if they “Simply Believe.”

 

About Fighters Only

 

• Fighters Only was the world’s first monthly Mixed Martial Arts and lifestyle magazine launching in the UK in 2005.
• By 2008 the magazine was on sale in 13 countries world wide
• Dedicated US and Canadian editions were launched in February 2009 featuring content specifically generated for the market. A German edition launched in April 2009.
• In 2008 Fighters Only launched the World Mixed Martial Arts Awards. The 2009 Awards Ceremony will be held at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and broadcast live on Versus.

Payout Perspective:

Normally I’m not a fan of brand extensions, but this type of unity within the MMA community is something that needs to continue. The greatest asset that companies have in this business is each other; finding ways to leverage strengths, achieve marketing synergies, and broaden market reach is vital to the continued growth and success of the business.

Under this agreement, Fighters Only will be able to diversify and expand its revenue stream by providing a tailored line of clothing apparel for its readership. While Tapout should be able to further expand its reach through partnering with the magazine.

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I’m sure many of you are already aware, but Fighters Only is currently accepting votes for its 2009 MMA Awards. It’s a chance to voice your opinion and get involved in the MMA community. Here’s the address: http://www.onlineawards.co.uk/fightersonly/home.asp