The UFC and Women’s Tennis Association teamed up today for a grab and grin opportunity. The WTA’s Victoria Azerenka and Rashad Evans met and exchanged jabs and serves.
Azerenka is playing in the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami and is doing pretty well. Evans is training for his showdown with Jon Jones in April.
Via UFC press release:
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship® light heavyweight champion and current No. 1 contender, “Suga” Rashad Evans took time from training for UFC®145: JONES vs. EVANS to meet Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) World No. 1 superstar Victoria Azarenka. The top athletes visited the MMA Masters facility in Miami and traded tennis and UFC gifts and expertise. Evans showed Azarenka some moves in the cage while Azarenka shared a few tennis tips with Evans. The Belarusian beauty is currently in Miami playing in the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament.
A video of their meeting is here.
Payout Perspective:
A nice crossover event for both Evans and Azerenka. I think the photo op helps both sports as the UFC hopes to breakthrough to more of a mainstream audience. Moreover, attract mainstream sponsors. It also allows someone else in women’s tennis besides the Williams sisters and Maria Sharapova get some publicity. Did you know who was the number 1 women’s tennis player in the world? So, this opportunity for Azarenka helped attract some of the male dominated UFC demo.
it is nice to have someone besides the Williams sisters
Personally, I’m very happy every and anytime I see Serena Williams. Speak for yourself Jack.
Great co-branding and synergy between the two sports