UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones has signed a sponsorship deal with sports fuel company Gatorade, becoming the first MMA fighter to represent the company in the Octagon.
Jones joins the likes of Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, Usain Bolt and Serena Williams to ink an endorsement with the company.
His agent, Malki Kawa, announced the news on Thursday morning, saying that the Gatorade logo will be prominently displayed on Jones’ fight shorts.
“It’s great that a company like Gatorade sees the value that their products bring to MMA athletes,” Jones said. “They’re one of the biggest brands in sports worldwide, and I am honored to have their support moving forward.
“It does not get any better than Gatorade when it comes to fueling your body, during training and competition.”
The sponsorship deal is the latest move that shows mixed martial arts has become a serious player in the sporting world.
“This is a historic day for UFC competitors,” Kawa said. “Gatorade is one of the most recognized brands in the world. Jon has earned this relationship through hard work, determination, and pure dominance inside the Octagon.”
Jones, who became the youngest UFC champion at just 23 in 2011, will become the all-time UFC wins leader in the light heavyweight division if he is successful in his title defense against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 on Saturday night in Toronto.
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