One topic that has taken my interest recently has been the organisations acquisition of one of the largest footwear and apparel brands in the world, Reebok.
Over the last six months, we’ve heard a number of stories – mostly negative – from fighters who have voiced their displeasure at the deal. It seems the only party benefiting from it is the UFC.
Why all the negativity? The obvious reason is fighters compensation. A number of fighters including Brendan Schaub, Tim Kennedy and most recently Benson Henderson, have spoken out about the money (or lack of) they’re receiving since the deal with Reebok commenced. Under the new deal, fighters are unable to generate their own sponsorship and are required to wear the very unappealing and bland Reebok apparel whenever they’re representing the UFC. Fighters have argued they’re receiving only a small percentage of what their own sponsorship money brought them in the past.
Is the deal fair? Absolutely not.
While I’m not a fighter, it is obvious there is an injustice in what the fighters are being paid.
The UFC have argued that fighters have never been paid better, this may be true. However, they’re still not getting properly compensated considering the brutal nature of the sport they compete in, as well as the popularity of the UFC and the amount of money the organisation generates.
There are some exceptions though. Some of the UFC’s top tier fighters such as Connor McGregor and Ronda Rousey seem to have their own deals with Reebok and command a larger pay packet than other fighters. They are big draw fighters and guarantee the UFC large pay-per-view buys. This is understandable as the UFC is a business. However, if you treat your workers poorly, cracks will appear.
Recently, newly acquired Bellator fighter Benson Henderson, openly criticized the deal with Reebok and claimed it was a major factor in his decision to sign with another organisation. Henderson’s new deal with Bellator allows him to seek out his own sponsorship and earn significantly more money than he would have if he stayed with the UFC.
As well as compensation to the fighters, the deal with Reebok seems to be hurting the companies image as well. The uniforms that have been chosen are bland, unappealing and represent a school uniform rather than an elite sporting outfit that you’d happily stroll around in.
Reebok has also been in the headlines for down right incompetence spelling fighters names incorrectly on promotional t-shirts, and pairing the wrong nick name to fighters.
What’s more bizarre is the fines Reebok have been issuing to fighters for not adhering to their dress code policy. Recently, UFC fighter Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, openly wrote an apology to Reebok for mocking the uniform by wearing Nike branded shoes in a photo with Greg Jackson.
While the UFC are no doubt benefiting financially from the deal with Reebok, they should be taking note of the effect it is having on their fighters and address the issue sooner rather than later.
