UFC official insists no deal in place for rumored uniform agreement

LAS VEGAS – Despite an image released today that appears to show a working design intended as part of the UFC’s long-rumored uniform deal, a statement issued to MMAjunkie by company officials insists that there is currently no deal in place.

“We continue to speak to many potential partners and will make an announcement when we reach an agreement,” the statement read.

Twitter user @frontrowbrian on Thursday posted a set of pictures of UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman grouped together in “before and after” fashion, apparently revealing what fighters could look like with a new deal in place that would limit the amount of sponsor space on an athletes’ gear.

–Exclusive– Leaked from the UFC offices. A preview of the new UFC uniform. Looks pretty good. Clean. pic.twitter.com/6CV0nQwaVA

— FrontRowBrian (@FrontRowBrian) March 27, 2014

While nearly all major sporting leagues have strict uniform requirements in place – and uniform-provider contracts with major sporting manufacturers – the UFC has, to this point, been a relatively open market in terms of allowing fighters the freedom to generate sponsor revenue from approved vendors with patches, stickers and logos on their gear.

Recently, there have been reports that the UFC has already reached a deal with Maryland-based Under Armour, a sports clothing and accessories company founded in 1996.

The images released today feature a prominent Under Armour logo on Weidman’s shorts, and many observers have speculated an announcement of the agreement between the two companies could be made next month, when the UFC visits Baltimore for “UFC 172: Jones vs. Teixeira.” However, UFC officials insist there is no deal in place.

“We haven’t reached an agreement at this time,” the statement read.

Perhaps noticeable from the statement is the phrase “when” an agreement is reached rather than “if,” seemingly implying a deal is at least nearing fruition.

UFC officials declined to address the validity of the pictures that were revealed, only reaffirming that no deal has been reached and discussions remain ongoing with many potential partners. However, sources close to the situation said that similar artwork has been produced featuring a number of potential partners as the UFC has discussed potential apparel deals. But they also insisted – for now, at least – ink has yet to meet paper.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.