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Tuesday, Dec 18, 2012

Union KOs UFC: Marines End Sponsorship Deal, Union Pressure Cited as Factor

UFC vet Joe Lauzon instructing U.S. military personnel

By FCF Staff

One of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s more prominent sponsorships has come to an end, as the United States Marine Corps’ promotional contract with the world’s biggest MMA organization reportedly concluded on November 30th.

In addition, according to a report from The Stars and Stripes, the money for the expired agreement has already been allocated to address other recruitment needs for the Marines.

The report also cited the influence of Congress and the Unite Here union, in the Marine Corps’ decision to end its relationship with the UFC.

A veterans committee is tied to the Unite Here union, which previously launched a campaign against the UFC, that accused the promotion of tolerating homophobic, sexist and demeaning comments from its athletes. The committee concluded that these statements were “deeply at odds with the culture, mission and values of the Marine Corps and the values of the people you are trying to recruit.”

The campaign was viewed by some as one of the reasons the UFC began disciplining fighters for making inappropriate comments in interviews and through social media.

In addition, there have been efforts in Congress to ban military sponsorship of professional sports leagues and organizations like the UFC. Although no bill has been passed, there continues to be political opposition to such partnerships.

 

posted by FCF Staff @ 4:25 pm
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