Sponsor pay troubles in UFC? How about signing a modeling gig like Alan Jouban?

Alan Jouban

The UFC’s recent deal with Reebok has forever changed the landscape of fighter sponsorship in the promotion. And while the details of the deal are still trickling out, one fighter is already seeking alternate cashflow opportunities.

Officials from the London-base EPOK Agency – which represents two-time UFC welterweight veteran Alan Jouban (10-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC), among other clients – recently announced that the 32-year-old “Brahma” has signed on for “print and entertainment representation” with the New York-based Soul Artist Management, which bills itself as “a full-service talent agency, representing some of the most highly regarded male and female models from around the globe.”

The arrangement is part of a newly formed partnership between the sports management firm and the talent agency.

“Our affiliation with an innovative and dynamic company such as EPOK is an exciting proposition for us,” Soul Artist Management Jason Kanner stated. “Their mantra and management style is very much in line with what we do for our models at Soul.”

There has been much discussion about what the UFC’s Reebok deal will mean for athletes, as outside logos will no longer appear in the octagon beginning in July 2015. Will Reebok will directly compensate the athletes, the payout levels have not yet been revealed, and managers and athletes, alike, will certainly be challenged to come up with creative sponsorship activation and new revenue opportunities once the existing playbook can no longer be utilized.

EPOK Agency owner Ajay Chandler believes he’s found such a venture.

“This is a groundbreaking moment for both EPOK Agency and the world of combat sports,” Chandler said. “Working alongside Jason Kanner and his team will allow us to enter new markets by creating commercial opportunities for athletes with mainstream publications and brands.”

Lest it be thought Soul Artist Management is ready to go on a massive signing spree with UFC fighters, it should be noted that the Louisiana-born Jouban does boast previous professional modeling experience. Still, with fighter pay as a central focus of the sport, the 32-year-old welterweight may at least be giving his fellow athletes additional income options.

“The combination of Alan’s movie-star good looks and incredible athleticism is a lethal combination and one that is very much on brand with Soul Artist Management,” Kanner stated. “My keen eye for talent tells me that Alan has all of the necessary attributes that will undoubtedly make him a star.”

Jouban made his UFC debut this past August, picking up a knockout win over Seth Baczynski in a “Fight of the Night” affair at UFC Fight Night 47. He returned to action in November, falling short in a controversial decision loss to Warlley Alves.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.