The hits keep coming for Jon “Bones” Jones, as the former UFC light heavyweight champion has lost his endorsement deal with Reebok, according to a tweet from ESPN’s Darren Rovell.
The news comes one day after Jones was stripped of his UFC title following his involvement in a hit-and-run incident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As part of his punishment, Jones was also suspended indefinitely by the UFC.
Now, the Reebok deal becomes the third blow from the fist that is almost certainly not done swinging just yet.
Previously, Jones stood alongside UFC stars Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, Johny Hendricks, Anthony Pettis and Paige VanZant as the only fighters on the organization’s roster to hold exclusive endorsement deals with Reebok. Interestingly enough, the UFC signed a six-year partnership with Reebok in December 2014, allowing the brand to become its exclusive outfitter.
The deal goes into effect in July, so when (or, accounting for every possibility, if) Jones returns to the UFC Octagon, it is likely he will be sporting Reebok anyway.
To that point, though, Rovell notes it “will be interesting” to see if Reebok strikes an agreement to cut Jones out of the UFC’s overarching deal. As of now, there is no official word from Reebok or from the UFC on this matter.
What is certain is that Jones will lose the exclusive promotion from Reebok—such as advertisements and signature gear—but overall, this seems a relatively minor blow in the grand scheme of the former champ’s problems right now.
And just as he set records inside the cage, Jones makes history with the loss of his Reebok deal, becoming the first athlete to lose two shoe and apparel deals in an eight-month stretch, per Rovell.
Jones was previously inked to a deal with Nike, which he lost due to differences in opinion and direction.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report as Jones’ situation continues to develop.
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