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UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has his the sponsorship jackpot. The 25-year-old fighter (16-1) has become the first MMA fighter to sign a global sponsorship deal with Nike. MMA Fighting has the details:
The UFC light-heavyweight champion has signed a sweeping, worldwide sponsorship deal with sports apparel giant Nike, MMA Fighting has confirmed with multiple sources.
The two sides have agreed to a multi-year contract that will see Jones decked out in Nike gear for the foreseeable future. On Sept. 1, when he faces Dan Henderson at UFC 151, Jones will be rocking the famous "Swoosh."
As a part of the deal, Jones will be featured on worldwide Nike advertising and receive his own signature line, sources said. It is expected to be announced within a week.
MMA Fighting contacted Jones' agent Malki Kawa, who had to comment at the time. Jones was sponsored by the UFC itself for his last title bout against Rashad Evans. He stated back in April that he had wanted to work with Nike for a long time (via MMA Weekly):
"For this fight, I have a goal, I've had a goal of being sponsored by Nike for many, many years. Part of our strategy to try and make that happen one day is to not be a billboard, and not just be sponsored by TapouT one week, and Affliction one week, and then MusclePharm next week, and all these random companies."
It appears that his wish has been granted. Jon Jones is about to get a lot of visibility.
UPDATE: Jones just tweeted with confirmation:
Blessed to be signed by the biggest sports apparel company in the world
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) August 8, 2012#NIKE Dreams do come true
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