So the big news story over the past few days has been that Jon Jones, the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, is being sponsored by Gatorade, making him the first athlete within the UFC that is being sponsored by both Nike and Gatorade. Well, you might have to slow your roll, Malki Kawa, as according to ESPN Sports Business reporter Darren Rovell, there is no actual deal in place between Gatorade and Jon Jones. The extent of the deal is that they’ve literally sent him “free product” and won’t get upset if he wears their logo into the ring with him.
Seriously, is that not the most UFC thing ever? Everyone gets excited and touts this as a mainstream move, only to find out that there is no actual deal and that it was just a public relations lie?
Despite reports that Jon Jones has signed a Gatorade deal, Gatorade official says there is no contract, no $ changing hands.
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) September 20, 2013
Gatorade official says company has sent product to Jon Jones, will allow him to wear logo, but not paying him $
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) September 20, 2013