British Judo announces UFC as title sponsor for 2015 British Open

British Judo announced that the UFC has signed on as title sponsors of the 2015 British Open Judo Championships.  The sponsorship reflects a part of a new partnership between the two organizations.

The Championships will take place at Wembley Arena on July 12^th.  The UFC will secure ads on the British Judo website and social media.  The belief is that the partnership will aid both organizations.

British Judo Chief Executive, Andrew Scoular stated in a news item announcing the partnership on the British Judo website, “By partnering with such a leading martial arts brand as UFC, we will receive significant added exposure for British Judo as a core martial art and the partnership will be instrumental in raising the profile of the sport of judo, ultimately leading to increased participation for young people.”

In the same news item, Garry Cook, UFC Chief Global Brand Officer said: “The 2015 British Open Judo Championships will be a fantastic event and an important stage on which athletes can perform and promote their sport. Judo is a key component of mixed martial arts, and we are excited at the prospect of bringing together UFC fans, Judo supporters and practitioners of both sports.”

Judo has found success in its membership after the rise of Ronda Rousey.  Rousey earned an Olympic medal in Judo at the Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008.

(H/t:  MMA Junkie)

Payout Perspective:

We have seen Judo, USA Wrestling and Tae Kwon Do all secure sponsorship spots with the UFC at recent events.  The interest level of these disciplines, as well as jiu jitsu, can be directly attributed to the popularity of mixed martial arts and the UFC.  This latest move reflects the UFC reaching out to Judo for more visibility.  We may see the UFC reach out to other MMA disciplines in the future.