UFC and mainstream advertisers

The New York Times has a piece about how major mainstream companies are coming around to the idea of advertising in the realm of Mixed Martial Arts.

Back at UFC 88 when Rashad Evans beat Chuck Liddell he wore a curious shirt as he had his hand raised. The shirt was of none other than Bill Gates.

"That shirt, it's [Gates'] mugshot," Evans said. "He was arrested in Albuquerque, N.M. He started off Microsoft in the basement of the Bank One Building. That's right next to the (Team Jackson) gym. At the time that was believed to be the only association. Evans even joked, "Maybe one day he'll be part of my crew."

However not long later this Microsoft commercial debuted:



The New York Times article then predictably goes on to talk about the Fertitta brothers and The Ultimate Fighter series. But there are a few interesting tidbits from the article. Over the last year and a half the UFC has signed advertising deals with sponsors like Harley-Davidson, Bud Light, Burger King and, most recently, Bacardi.

Dave Meltzer says that in 2008, the UFC likely posted the biggest per-year revenue numbers in the history of pay per view television. While Rashad's manager Jervis Cole says that expects Evans to earn $700,000 to "several million" dollars in total endorsements in 2009.

There is certainly a demographic to be capitalized on and money to be spent and made in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. An economic turnaround would certainly help push the UFC further into the mainstream.

Companies Warm to Sponsoring Mixed Martial Arts [NyTimes.com] via MMApayout.com