MMA fans have reacted to the news that the UFC has renewed its branding deal with Venum.
The promotion has often been criticized for its recent branding deals with Reebok and Venum. Many feel as though it takes away potential revenue streams from fighters.
Per the agreements with the apparel companies, fighters must adhere to an outfitting policy and strict promotional duties. This means that athletes cannot be pictured with other branding at events or promote them on their social media, which removes a revenue source.
On Twitter, MMA reporter Ariel Helwani wrote:
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"UFC has re-upped its deal with Venum, per a press release. Terms not announced."
Fans have reacted angrily to the news, with one complaining that, for the price, the Venum apparel should look much better than it does.
"Hell expensive and not that great, UFC needs someone like Nike or Adidas so atleast it looks good for the price ffs"
Another fan said that they don't understand how MMA's premier promotion gets away with forcing fighters to wear the clothing.
"Still don't know how they force independent contractors to go along with this and the lack of sponsorships they can have"
Another Twitter user pleaded with the UFC to sign a deal with Adidas.
"They need to do a deal with @adidas. Would massively enhance the sport plus the gear would look f*****g cool"
Check out more of the fan reactions below:
Katlyn Chookagian defends UFC's decision to choose Venum gear, states it's "better" than Reebok
Katlyn Chookagian believes that the Venum gear is higher quality than Reebok and is better suited for fighters.
The No.1-ranked women's flyweight made her promotional debut back in 2016. 'Blonde Fighter' has previously fought for the title against Valentina Shevchenko but came up short in her attempt. The 33-year-old is now on an impressive four-fight win streak and is pushing for a rematch against 'Bullet'.
Since signing for the organization six years ago, Chookagian has worn and fought in both the Reebok and Venum gear. The American thinks the UFC made the right choice in choosing Venum.
During what appeared to be an interactive live social media session, she said:
"The Venum stuff is definitely better. The quality of like, the gear that we get is really, really good... it's definitely way, way, way better. It's like, real, like, training gear, like it's not just like [for a] workout."
Chookagian added:
"They have like a thicker waistband... Reebok was like, these are like leggings... but the Venum leggings, like, you could tell they're made for, like, harder training; so, like, rolling around, not just like, literally yoga pants."
Catch Katlyn Chookagian's comments on the clothing here: