PUMA
Ahead of his second defense of his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title, Israel Adesanya has made a bit more history. “The Last Stylebender” recently became the first mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter ever to ink a deal with world-renowned sports apparel brand Puma.
Israel Adesanya has signed a multi-year deal with Puma. He will be the face of their Oceania division but will also be a part of their global marketing plans, as well. It is an apparel and shoe sponsorship. He is the first MMA fighter to ever be sponsored by Puma. pic.twitter.com/ciNMnEZBpn
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 17, 2020
To commemorate the historic signing, Puma unveiled its first-ever video ad featuring the Middleweight champ ahead of his big title fight against Paulo Costa, which is set to go down on Sept. 26, 2020 in Abud Dhabi. Adesanya joins the likes of Julian Edelman, Neymar, Usain Bolt and Greg Norman on Puma’s highly-impressive roster of athletes.
The 31-year old hasn’t slowed down since bursting onto the UFC scene in 2018, winning eight straight fights including the interim strap in just his sixth fight inside the eight-sided cage. A win over Costa will not only give him his second title defense, but it will settle the longtime beef Israel has had with the Brazilian bruiser.
Furthermore, an impressive outing will further raise his stock which will likely bring more blue chip sponsorship opportunities.