The UFC decided MMA equipment company Pretorian Hard Sports will no longer be an approved sponsor of the UFC. John Morgan of MMA Junkie revealed the news via his twitter this week. A memo was circulated to agents of fighters but no reason was given for the sudden development.
The move comes as a surprise of sorts for those of us not in tune with the brand or the UFC’s motives. It has sponsored many of the Brazilian fighters as well as fighters at the top of cards. In addition, it had signage in the Octagon at many UFC events. With the steady diet of cards in Brazil, one would have believed that the company would be one of the mainstays for the UFC.
In January of last year, MMA Junkie featured the brand in a nice writeup as it was talking about global expansion. The MMA equipment company was an idea of businessman Ruy Drever. The company expanded within Brazil and looked to do so globally. He also took pride in the company’s commitment to social good as the company was involved in numerous community projects. Last year, it had 170 employees and 170% revenue growth in 2011.
Payout Perspective:
Notably, its web site still has it as a UFC Official Sponsor. We will follow this story as it continues but this move is surprising considering the position of the brand and its heavy involvement in sponsoring UFC fighters in addition to being an official sponsor. Whether its a financial issue, a strategic issue or a personality issue between companies, the announcement hurts fighters that received sponsor money from the brand. Its not clear whether the company will sponsor athletes outside of the UFC but time will tell.
[…] Whether it’s niche clothing company Pretorian, who somehow got the UFC grumpy enough to ban their wares from events, or a major brand like Reebok, who seem to be saying to the UFC “you’ll […]