Jon Jones signs Nike deal

MMA Fighting reports that UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones has inked a multi-year deal with Nike.  No word on the financials behind the deal as an official announcement will take place sometime next week.

The deal includes placement in Nike advertising and his own signature line. It is expected Jones will don the Swoosh on September 1st in his next title defense against Dan Henderson.

Speculation of Jones’ sponsorship possibilities were raised when he wore UFC branded clothing at UFC 145.  MMA Fighting states that Jones and his agent visited the Nike campus in Beaverton, Oregon in May prior to starting negotiations for a sponsorship deal.

Recently, Anderson Silva visited the Nike Campus and speculation arose that the Spider might have his own line of Spider clothing. Nike is one of Silva’s main sponsors.

For those wondering, Nike (NKE) stock was down slightly at the close of today’s trading at $95.90 a share.  So, no Bones bump with the news (kidding slightly).

Payout Perspective:

If you thought that Jon Jones was one of the highest profile UFC fighters around, you could probably confirm that with the new Nike deal, he will be the most visible worldwide.  The deal indicates that the global sportswear maker is dipping its foot in the octagon which can only be a good thing for MMA and the UFC.  The deal creates a new level of earning potential for Jones and a lofty goal for other UFC fighters.  At this point, I would think that the Swoosh may be on a “wait and see” approach with the sport as it relates to sponsoring others.  But, if the Jones line of clothing is a hit, we may see more of the familiar logo in the Octagon.

On a side note, it is interesting that Jones’ recent legal issues did not come into play in signing the deal.  Meaning, the deal wasn’t nixed because Jones was arrested on suspicion of DWI.  Essentially, the company is comfortable with him repping Nike and doesn’t think he will have any more problems.