The UFC-Reebok deal is still taking body blows from the fighters affected by its implementation.
MMAJunkie first reported that three fighters were fined following UFC on Fox 17 in Orlando, Florida, for violating the UFC’s Athlete Outfitting Policy. Those fined were kept confidential by the UFC, but the fighters themselves have not been as mum on the subject.
UFC lightweight title contender Donald Cerrone was the first to come forward on social media to admit he was one of the three who were fined. Cerrone confirmed it to one of his followers and then told another that the fine amount was not small.
The second of three athletes came forward on Sunday evening. The ever-vocal Nate Diaz had some choice words about his fine.
(Warning: tweet contains NSFW language)
In the tweet, Diaz stated that the jeans he was wearing were Reebok-branded. MMAJunkie reported that Diaz and his camp sported the brand Represent throughout fight week, including a Represent-branded bottle at the post-fight press conference. Represent is a Diaz-owned clothing brand.
Diaz defeated Michael Johnson by unanimous decision in his UFC return and picked up a Fight of the Night bonus check for the 15-minute bout.
Following the action, Diaz had his post-fight remarks largely censored by Fox as he went on an expletive-filled tirade targeted toward Conor McGregor. Diaz moved up to No. 7 in the lightweight rankings, one spot behind Johnson, following the event.
The precise amount of the fines is still unknown, and the third and final fighter who was fined at UFC on Fox 17 has not made him or herself public.
There is rarely a dull moment with the outspoken Diaz, and he made his thoughts about Reebok and the deal very well known. The fallout of this apparel deal is still very much ongoing as fighters continue to be unhappy.
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