FighterXFashion reports that Nike will be releasing shoes and shirts for UFC Light Heavyweight Champion John “Bones” Jones this Friday. Shoes will be released in limited quantities at select NikeTowns in New York and Las Vegas and online at Nike.com.
Jones is one of three UFC fighters with a Nike contract and is the only fighter to have his gear released for public consumption.
Payout Perspective:
It will be interesting to see how sales of Jones gear will do and whether the sales will determine if the swoosh will look to other UFC athletes to sponsor for future retail opportunities. The hope for Nike is to gain some momentum for Jones’ upcoming title defense so fans will be wearing those t-shirts in the crowd at UFC 159.
Will signature shoes for an athlete who competes in a shoeless sport sell? I wouldn’t think so.
The same could be said for Air Jordan tracksuits, caps etc, but they seemed to do ok.
Tribute > Michelle