The world’s premier mixed martial arts entity, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced a new multi-year extension of its collaboration with Venum.
The partnership between the French company and the MMA organization is followed by the announcement of the UFC’s first event in France, which will take place on September 3 at Paris’ Accor Arena. The manufacturer will proceed to design, manufacture, and disseminate the promotion’s performance attire for the duration of the new contract, which is expected to be three years.
IMG, the licensing division of UFC’s parent company, Endeavor, which arranged the initial contract with Venum in 2020, also enabled the contract’s extension.
While not as large as the UFC’s previous six-year, US$70 million deal with Reebok, Venum guaranteed a fee hike to the promotion’s fighters ranging from US$500 to US$2,000 based on expertise.
Tracey Bleczinski, UFC’s Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products, said, “We’re thrilled to renew our partnership with Venum. Venum is an iconic combat sports brand that understands the unique needs of MMA athletes, and the feedback on the craftmanship, style, and performance of the Venum-designed fight kits and apparel has been tremendous.”
Franck Dupuis, Founder and Chief Executive of Venum, commented, “Venum’s return to UFC in April 2021 has been a source of great pride for the Venum team. The enthusiastic reception from UFC athletes and fans to the launch and release of our UFC collections has convinced us to continue our adventure inside the Octagon, and to continue to improve our products to serve a demanding and passionate public. The best is ahead of us.”