Silver Star adds Wanderlei Silva to its list of recent high-profile signees – a list that includes Lyoto Machida, Forrest Griffin, Anderson Silva, Rich Franklin, Jon Jones, and others.
(IRVINE, CA) – Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva has signed a sponsorship deal with Silver Star Casting Company for a clothing collection that will include a UFC 110 signature walkout tee for Spring 2010.
With the majority of his fights ending in knockouts or referee stoppage, Silva’s ruthless, street-fighting style has earned him the nickname “Axe Murderer” – a moniker and image that sits well with the edginess of the Silver Star brand.
“Silver Star is honored to be working with one of the most aggressive fighters in the sport,” says Silver Star president and CEO, Luke Burrett. “Wanderlei is a force to be reckoned with and always delivers fans an adrenaline -pumping fight.”
“I am excited to work with such a successful brand,” says Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva. “I really like the quality of the product and look forward to great success.
Making his debut at 185 pounds, Silva is expected to face top-ten ranked middleweight, Michael Bisping, in the co-main event on February 21, 2010 at UFC 110.
Payout Perspective
Silver Star’s strategy is one of quality over quantity. Silver Star is doing its best to corner the main event market, and the company has been pretty successful in the last few months: main event fighters on each of the UFC’s last three PPVs have been sponsored by Silver Star (the forthcoming TUF Finale will feature Jon Jones, also wearing the company’s clothing) .
Can Silver Star compete with Tapout or Affliction? That’s the question. Silver Star is quite far behind in the graphic tee market, and with so many competitors it looks to be a much tougher market now than it was even two years ago. On the other hand, Silver Star has done a good job at distinguishing itself from amongst the rest of the pack. They’ve been selective with their sponsorships, which has ensured a targeted visibility.
It’s difficult to envision the company grossing a $100 million/year, but it’s positioned well to continue supporting the MMA industry in the future.
Does the company’s marketing strategy value immediate huge impact and populatiry or long term popularity as the criteria for choosing sponsorships?
Jones- probably going to be more popular in the future rather than now, especially if he wins on tuf finale.
wand- his popularity is through the roof right now. huge huge huge. but how much longer is he going to be relevant. I know he has wand fight team, is always in vegas doing promotions, but it seems like especially if he loses and doesn’t do well in his weight cut, what then?
Kelsey, does that 100 mil figure apply only to their MMA sales? I’d bet that Silver Star as a whole generates more than 100 mil. They are in a ton of stores in North America.
That being said, as far as “fighter signature tees” Silver Star is on fire.