Jon Jones Signing with Nike Is One Step Closer to the Mainstream for UFC

Quote :: Jeff Bottari/Getty Images

It may not seem like a big deal on the surface, but the news that UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has signed a global endorsement deal with industry giant Nike is one of the biggest bombshells in a long time.
The deal has been in the works for quite some time, and according to a report from MMAFighting, it was recently finalized. It's expected to be announced next week, but Jones has already tweeted a confirmation:

@JonnyBones

Blessed to be signed by the biggest sports apparel company in the world #NIKE Dreams do come true

8 Aug 12

As part of the deal, Jones will receive the
works from Nike. Much like every other major athlete with a Nike
contract, he'll have his own line of shoes and other clothing items, and
he'll be featured in a major marketing effort from the company.
In the cage, Jones will no longer wear UFC-specific clothing. Instead, he'll be covered nearly head to toe in Nike gear.
Jones is the first MMA fighter to sign a global endorsement deal with Nike. Anderson Silva also has a Nike contract, but it's specific to Brazil. What Jones now has is much, much bigger.

I don't need to tell you how important a moment this is for the sport of
mixed martial arts. Nike is one of the most recognized brands in the
world and is a juggernaut in the sporting industry. Jones will be pushed
as one of the premiere athletes in the world alongside some of the most
recognizable faces in the market.
This is a major win for Jones, obviously, but it's also a major win for the UFC.

source

its a step ahead, good for him, but mma will never be a mainstream sport.

» WWE Star C.M. Punk BLASTS Nike for Signing Jon Jones .... He's a BAD Role Model
» UFC deals sucker punch to mainstream
» Jones Jones takes up power-lifting, is absolutely shredded now!!