Sponsors being banned from UFC events is nothing new, but the new banning of weapon related sponsors is certainly different. It appears that the initial pressure to ban these sponsors actually came from the UFC's new network home.
The MMA Corner with the report:
The MMA Corner has learned from sources close to the situation that the latest impact is that guns and ammunition sponsors, such as The Gun Store and Ammotogo.com, have been banned from events that take place on the Fox family of networks.
*UPDATE * - The MMA Corner has learned that the ban includes companies related to guns, knives, ammunition, and hunting. It will go into effect on Jan. 23. The ban has been extended to all UFC events, not just those broadcast on the Fox family of networks.
While The Gun Store has been a great sponsor for many fighters, it falls into that "immature company" sponsorship area. Where certain sponsors are great for a promotion just getting off the ground, a violent sport with gun related sponsors is a little unsettling and getting rid of them is not really a bad thing.
230 comments
Great news!
I’m a little surprised though. I don’t know so much about American TV channels, but isn’t Fox quite right wing and therefore the kind of place that likes guns and ammo? Could be wrong.
jim-ma - January 23, 2012
News Corp, which owns Fox, tends to have a conservative bent
But they’re still a business, and Fox is still a network station with a very diverse audience. And MMA is already off-putting for a lot of people, and mixing guns and ammo with that probably wouldn’t help that for the majority of their audience.
Damnatio Memoriae - January 23, 2012
Fox news is pretty right wing. Fox, as a major network, tends to try and keep things from getting too political.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
NOTHING SAYS A MATURE COMPANY THEN HOOTERS COMMERCIALS!
make love not war but be prepared for both….
so if you can have Titties commercials you can have a gun on your shorts.
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
I can and I do.
HIYOOOOOOO
IRodC - January 23, 2012
But would they promote an online store for breast implants?
Machiel Van - January 23, 2012
But... but... but...
Free speech! Censorship!
Sarcasm!
Damnatio Memoriae - January 23, 2012
this is 100% bullshit
Fuck everything…….guns are awesome and if something gun related wants to help a mma fighter they should be able to. The gun store has been a awesome sponsor just ask any fighter who has had them. Just look at many fighters shorts you will see bushmaster, dpms, browning, kershaw, crkt, and many many more very good sponsors there are all band now. If i was a fighter i would be pissed. Fox is stupid the ufc is stupid and anyone who thinks gun and knife sponsorships are bad for this sport are stupid.
Aramaki23 - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Pot, did I really just hear you call Kettle black?
feniin - January 23, 2012
Rabble! Rabble rabble!
Machiel Van - January 23, 2012
LOL.
Zachary Kater - January 23, 2012
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Tell 'em why you mad, son
Patrick Wyman - January 23, 2012
"guns are awesome"?
Wow
Mattyjudo - January 23, 2012 via Android app
Krimson - January 23, 2012
Damon O. - January 23, 2012
this man is not happy
Cory Braiterman - January 23, 2012
Nothing says "I'm Back" like firing a .54 cal. off the hip.
I miss Brock’s persona already…
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
.54 cal? you mean .50 cal
the jewish conquistador - January 23, 2012
.50 cal wasn't big enough for brock...
T.P. Grant - January 23, 2012
calories, not calibers.
some schmuck in texas - January 23, 2012
hahaa...yeah i had .45 on the brain i guess...
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
I'm a little surprised the recoil to the midsection didn't fold him.
God I hope he’s at least shooting at squirrels.
tigerlee - January 23, 2012
Nope kittens
DayGeaux - January 23, 2012
high level strikers
tigerlee - January 23, 2012
Naw he doesn’t shoot well when they’re around.
DayGeaux - January 23, 2012
reminds me of a classic
tigerlee - January 23, 2012
Why have I never seen this?
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
awesomness!
DayGeaux - January 23, 2012
Fuck that dog.
Sugel Mendoza - January 23, 2012
Brock Lesnar's Cruelty-Free Pest Control endorses this comment.
Zachary Kater - January 23, 2012
The pussification of the sport.
This is just the beginning. Mark my words.
Gremio - January 23, 2012
THIS.
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
I don't know about that
They got rid of the condom depot and it wasn’t that big of a deal.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Because people only care about guns, not covers for guns :)
Machiel Van - January 23, 2012
This comment is so wrong
Yet so right.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Just glad you were able to get past the sig. Stupid sig bets.
Machiel Van - January 23, 2012
It is amusing though
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
This is my rifle... this is my gun...
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
oh shit
dont get rolla started.
gspmademegay - January 23, 2012
rollo
gspmademegay - January 23, 2012
what about...
what about their support of the military? seems odd to be against weapons and pro military. what about places that sell martial arts weaponry? yes to martial arts, but no to the weapons associated with those arts?
FISH456 - January 23, 2012
All good points, not a good ban imo.
Kefka - January 23, 2012
you know the Army doesn't shop at Ammodepot.com, right?
some schmuck in texas - January 23, 2012
I thought every knew they got their stuff from guns ’r us.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
ATF ’R US
OmoPlata - January 23, 2012
of course
but if you are taking a stance against guns and gun violence, how do you still associate with the largest gun provider and user in the world?
FISH456 - January 23, 2012
They’re not taking a stance against guns, they’re just not going to have them openly promoted in association with the UFC and FOX/FX/FUEL brands on TV.
Machiel Van - January 23, 2012
once again,
if you are against promotion of guns, how do you support the largest gun promoter in the world?
FISH456 - January 23, 2012
On the surface people don’t equate promoting the military with promoting guns per se. I’m not saying I agree with it, just saying that this is the way people perceive it.
Machiel Van - January 23, 2012
to some extent
the military may be known for honor and tradition, but they are mostly known for having a ton of weapons and knowing how to use them.
FISH456 - January 23, 2012
That is because people romantize war
Why they spazzed when Wikileaks gave us a small insight into how terrible and awful it actually is.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
d and herp
im curious what you mean by this, not sure what youre referring to.
gspmademegay - January 23, 2012
That’s…not the same thing at all.
I’m sorry, but equating the military to a store? Not really a good comparison
Brent Brookhouse - January 23, 2012
i didnt say they were the same
but if you want to disassociate yourself from guns and gun violence, the military would be the most obvious place to start.
FISH456 - January 23, 2012
The US Army is so different from some dudes with a basement full of manufacturer refurbished deer rifles that if you can't tell the difference I don't know what to say.
some schmuck in texas - January 23, 2012
once again,
the ban is not against basement deer hunters, it is against guns. The military is the largest owner and user of guns, and is the most associated with gun violence.
FISH456 - January 23, 2012
i know Fish is getting alot of heat but he is 100% right
The Military is a beacon of violence, just like guns are. They should both be banned
Kevin Jennison J. Zametov-St Pierre - January 23, 2012
They won’t be. First, the military buys commercials, the gun stores don’t. Second, more people hate guns than hate the military.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
A disarmed state is an enslaved state…study Chinese history, German history, or the history of any other enslaved people…they got their swords or guns taken from them…but hey…guns bad, ’cause tv said so, right mack? You must be a Yankee urban dweller…
Mr. Socko - January 23, 2012 via mobile
I never said guns were bad genius, I said I understand why fox doesn’t want to air gun commercials, and why gun commercials are different than military commercials, but please, keep thinking that your political generalizations are going to fix whatever problem you are dreaming up.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
wow awful wording
beacon of gun related violence makes more sense
Kevin Jennison J. Zametov-St Pierre - January 23, 2012
Even more important, our government is running red ink by the barge-load! Taxpayers shouldn’t be paying for advertising, flyovers at sporting events, or any other such frivolity. So as far as the military spending money to advertise, ask yourself this: is that REALLY the best use of the tax dollars YOU pay. Don’t give me the small potatos lectures, either. Its your money, demand better usage than trying to be cool advertising in the UFC. Such waste…
Mr. Socko - January 23, 2012 via mobile
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRG
One is respectable in the public’s eyes, one is not.
EASY PEASY
some schmuck in texas - January 23, 2012
respectable gun violence
is still gun violence.
FISH456 - January 23, 2012
But they are doing it to protect our freedom.
Remember?
40 Cal. - January 23, 2012
lol
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
HAHAHAHAHAAAA! I gotta bridge to sell YOU!
Mr. Socko - January 23, 2012 via mobile
your mistake is thinking that this is about right or wrong. The Military and the people who don’t want the gun store banned spend more money than the gun store, so they win.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
which is my point
the entire thing seems a bit hypocritical.
FISH456 - January 23, 2012
I still don't see why
They’re not taking a moral stand (and the military isn’t more or less moral than gun retailers anyway, IMO.) They’re making a business decision.
some schmuck in texas - January 23, 2012
the entire world is hypocritical. Money talks, bullshit walks. If you’re mad about this hypocrisy there are bigger fish to fry than the UFC.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
hypocrisy
I am mad about hypocrisy in all forms, big and small.
FISH456 - January 23, 2012
I think you’re bang on personally mate. It’s total hypocrisy
Mattyjudo - January 23, 2012 via Android app
As far as I know, The Nuclear Weapons Store isn’t allowed to advertise, either.
Beau Dure - January 23, 2012
if you are a US citizen, it’s the money YOU are FORCED to pay doing the talking…but hey, American Idol is on, so who cares, right?
Mr. Socko - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Looks like they waited for Brock to leave to do this... I'm sure he had a few sportsman sponsorships.
I think this is petty considering they slap fighters on the wrists for there behavior when joking about race, rape and other shit but you can’t have “the gun store” plastered on a pair of shorts.
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
That is terrible news, fighter should have more freedom with there sponsors. There a private company so I think they should do what they what, but I disagree with the decision.
Kefka - January 23, 2012
word
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
they are doing what they want, they want to keep their new sugar daddy happy, and when papa says no guns, you put away the guns.
I think banning all hunting stuff is a reach, but being on Fox and FX should open up some new sponsorship opportunities that weren’t available on Spike.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
Yeah but look at the shows on FX
Sons of Anarchy, Justified and tonight they are playing MR. and Mrs. Smith and sponsors for guns are a no-go? It’s really stupid and makes zero sense.
40 Cal. - January 23, 2012
it makes cents, and that’s what matters.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
How does banning a sponsor make "cents"?
40 Cal. - January 23, 2012
Fox wouldn’t do this unless they were getting heat from someone. Do these companies buy ads on Fox? Will banning them make people who give fox money happy? Both of those things add up to more money for Fox.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
So you think someone is giving them heat for a fighter having the gun store written on his shorts
And they care enough to ban them but they aren’t getting enough he about the murderous violent programming they have to change that?
40 Cal. - January 23, 2012
yes.
Murderous violent programming is all over the TV. Gun commercials aren’t.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
and getting the guns banned hurts the fighters' bottom line
not the stockholders…so fuck the guns. The fighters are fuel for an engine, meant to be consumed and replaced. Naturally, their concerns will never override those of the corporate board.
mannfretti - January 24, 2012
it may temporarily hurt the bottom line for a few. The trade off for banning the guns is more mainstream acceptance and opening the door for other sponsors on bigger platforms. That is a positive for everyone.
Phildo - January 24, 2012
That is a pretty good point
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Difference between violence to tell a story and selling real guns to real people.
Brent Brookhouse - January 23, 2012
Although I want fighters to have a lot of sponsorship opportunities
I can’t say I’m furious, even if my only real conservative view point in life is my view on firearms.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
ppl only associate guns with violance and that’s a shame because someone like me a recreational marksmen/ sportsman can associate it as time well spent as a kid with my father and learning responsibility and respect of equipment/ machinary that hold great power.
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
oh and most importantly to have fun shootin' shit and blow off steam.
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
I'm a city boy, so I can't really relate to that at all
But just because I own a firearm doesn’t mean that I think someone else shouldn’t. I can see your points and respect them.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
I'm born, raised, live and work in NYC... check the avatar pic.
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
My apologies
Are there any good places to shoot in New York? I’ve always been curious myself.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Staten Island has a nice outdoor range called Colonial Gun Range...During the spring/ summer it's nice and much more enjoyable then an indoor range.
Not sure if they rent guns out for use at the range but I’m sure there’s ranges out there that do… doesn’t hurt to try it out for an hour and see what it feels like to pop off a few rounds.
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
Will do
Thanks. I’ll look into it and add it to the “stuff I want to do before the aliens invade” list.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
No prob... and hey it may prepare you for there arrival...
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
Good point
All the more reason to do so.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
The Zombies are going to be here way before the aliens...
Unless… omg zombie aliens!
Sqwibbs - January 23, 2012
First Condom Dept, now this! When will it end?
DayGeaux - January 23, 2012
Really?
So Fox can have shows that are violent and/or talk about violence but god forbid a fighter is sponsored by a company that is weapons related? I am usually cool with the decisions the UFC makes for there business but this sponsorship stuff is just getting out of control. Pretty soon they are going to ban any sponsor that is involved in selling things!
40 Cal. - January 23, 2012
it’s one of the most hypocritical things in the US, it’s ok to show fake violence, people get beaten up, blown up, cut up, whatever, but God forbid you see a nipple, say the word Fuck, or actually punch someone in the face. But that said, like all things in life, money talks, bullshit walks. Fox says no guns, there are no guns.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
I wouldn't make to much of a correlation
They actually do show people actually punching each other in the face on Fox, and Fox is very conservative. I think this is just covering ass, rather than a political statement.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Fox’s entertainment networks are not the same as Fox News.
while Fox ‘News’ purports to have and promote a conservative ideology, it doesn’t shy away from showing girls in bikinis and other things like that. they are run separately and have really not much to do with each other. if the entire line of networks under the Fox umbrella were truly conservative, how else do you explain Married with Children or Family Guy?
not sure what the motivation here is. it’s not showing people shooting guns at each other during an MMA event, just having a sponsor show their logo during the event. i don’t see any harm here.
Victor Rodriguez - January 23, 2012
Fox has a show(Cartoon) where a BABY tries to consistently murder his mother but
Fighters can’t even have a hunting based company help them make extra money!
40 Cal. - January 23, 2012
I dunno, they’ve certainly shifted the focus of that character over the years.
Machiel Van - January 23, 2012
I know that I'm just making the point that it was at one time one of the biggest plots of the show.
It’s not like the show has calmed down since the focus of that one character shifted.
40 Cal. - January 23, 2012
It’s also a cartoon but I get what you’re saying; FOX/FX have a lot of guns in their shows, and in many instances they make using guns look cool.
Machiel Van - January 23, 2012
Again, real life =/= tv shows
Brent Brookhouse - January 23, 2012
"immature company"
What does that even mean?
IsTapouT is a mature company…?
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
I meant that the UFC is no longer the immature company that should have a dependence on condom depot and the gun store
Brent Brookhouse - January 23, 2012
In the sense that they are after more traditional sports sponsors?
Are the aiming for more companies like Nike and the such?
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
*they*
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
I got yeah... I assumed it was Zuffa phrasing due to the quotations
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
The irony
is that condoms keep people healthy and guns…. are guns.
TheFilt - January 23, 2012
Not a fan of this move.
Sean__H - January 23, 2012
You guys are really surprised by this? REALLY?
Damon O. - January 23, 2012
Yes i'm shocked... i think i'm leaving work early just becasue I can't focus with all this going on.
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
gxc - January 23, 2012
On a fairly unrelated note (outside of her hosting SNL before)
Am I the only one who finds Anna Faris sexy?
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Yes
Damon O. - January 23, 2012
Oh, okay
Back to my bunk.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
I find it strange you responded to a picture of Amy Poehler by asking about Anna Faris.
Llewdor - January 23, 2012
If you haven't guessed by now
I am a strange individual.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
I’m more surprised that you are surprised that people are surprised.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
i cant wait for UFC new sponsor
gxc - January 23, 2012
Even better
IRodC - January 23, 2012
You just reminded me.... aren't Hooters commercials on like 20x during the last 2 cards?
yes Hooters is a mature sponsor…well matured in all the right spots.
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
Silicone =/= Maturity
IRodC - January 23, 2012
Thank goodness the government/big buisness knows what we can/cannot handle
It bothers me that people think this is ok and should be considered the norm for any “big” company. Since when did owning a firearm become illegal? And yes, it smacks of hypocrisy when you consider much of the television on network TV.
Calamity Kris - January 23, 2012
Companies don't want to tell you what's right or wrong.
Money is the only reason, they stop this sponsorship and people that would be turned off by this type of sponsor would tune in to watch and the company would make more money.
The only people telling other people what to do are consumers. They dictate right or wrong with their $$$
IRodC - January 23, 2012
True.....but
Was there really an outcry of “oh my goodness, he is sponsored by the Gun Depot!” amongst the fan base?
Could be wrong but I never heard anything to that extent. I do agree though that money talks and is the root of this action. I just wish that wasn’t the case I suppose.
Calamity Kris - January 23, 2012
We didn't hear anything about Condom Depot either except some jokes.
But since the UFC wants to be as inclusive as possible they try to eliminate things that would turn people off. Without gunshops as sponsors, it’s just a move about reaching a broader audience to make some more money.
IRodC - January 23, 2012
Stop making terrible comparisons about violent and sexual TV. Fake violence and fake/real sex make a lot of money in the TV business. Guns don’t.
Also, NY and California are homes to some of the biggest TV markets in the country, and I know NY has crazy gun laws, and I think California is pretty uptight about guns also. This isn’t about making a stand, this isn’t about what’s right and wrong, it’s about what makes money. Fox, and therefore the UFC, think it’s in their best interest to ban guns, so guns are out.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
BUT 2ND AMENDMENT AND FREEDOM AND STUFF...
I win
IRodC - January 23, 2012
I think it's a valid comparison when talking about society views on morality and such
Not necessarily so in this particular discussion however.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Right, society’s views on this stuff are completely fucked, but the UFC and Fox have to do what’s best in that fucked up world, and this is part of it.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
Not really on point
but the Gun Store is one of the funnest places in the world to blow through $500 of gambling winnings in about 15 minutes… (waits for it).
Dave Strummer - January 23, 2012
Apparently you've never hired an escort
Ricardo Arguello - January 23, 2012
there it is.
Dave Strummer - January 23, 2012
Who suffers?
The fighters who lose the sponsorship money. This is absurd.
ldcpanther - January 23, 2012
sadly
it’s also business
tigerlee - January 23, 2012
This is poop. Soon every fighter will be sponsored by Big Pharma so no one is offended "Medicine helps people!"
FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS MURDOCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
menckenstein - January 23, 2012
Because Brawndo's got electrolytes!
tigerlee - January 23, 2012
why not? it’s got what plants crave.
Victor Rodriguez - January 23, 2012
You know what sponsors UFC needas to go after? Dick pills, those are all over NFL programming.
IRodC - January 23, 2012
Would you make viagra pay more to be on the back or the front of your shorts?
Phildo - January 23, 2012
The front I would imagine
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
For enough money
I’d fight Anderson Silva with Henna Tattoo of Levitra on my forehead.
IRodC - January 23, 2012
Viagra on the front, Cialis on the back, Levitra on my face
IRodC - January 23, 2012
Every one of Cheick Kongo's opponents will endorse Viagra of Cilalis
“After Cheick Kongo devastated my genitals with illegal knees and inside leg kicks, I was able to put my life back together thanks to Viagra. (turns to camera, smiles weakly, tear trickles down cheek)”
menckenstein - January 23, 2012
Yeah who needs weapons when
You have one of the faces of NFL programming making his “Gun” bigger with a pill.
40 Cal. - January 23, 2012
I always think to myself that must have been a large check to get JJ to do those Ads...
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
Oh it was very "Large"!!!
40 Cal. - January 23, 2012
I'll set emm you knock emm down...
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
I woulda thought more for golf and NASCAR
I guess that works too though
dajulzta - January 23, 2012 via Android app
Awww
Our little sport is growing up so fast.
Patrick Wyman - January 23, 2012
This is another one of those things that really wouldn't be a big deal
if there were more viable marketplace alternatives to Zuffa for MMA fighters. As it stands, Zuffa gets to smooth its relationship with Fox, and fighters lose yet another market-driven means to boost their incomes. I don’t really have an aesthetic problem with the decision, but I don’t love how willing Zuffa is to fuck with fighters’ paychecks, and how little recourse those fighters have when it happens.
Dave Strummer - January 23, 2012
I’d be interested for someone to ask Dana/Lorenzo if they attempt to offset the loses of fighters who’s sponsors they are banning.
jrobb20 - January 23, 2012
the hope, obviously, is more mainstream sponsors who are spooked to be associated with all these fly-by-night outfits
UFC 250 is brought to you by Traveller’s Insurance.
some schmuck in texas - January 23, 2012
Mayhem Miller sponsored by All-State, producer of the Mayhem commercials
menckenstein - January 23, 2012
Oh I get it
and like I said, I don’t even thing its a terrible idea from an aesthetic/PR standpoint (though the Gun Store rules), but it’s just another example where the UFC behaves in a way that is counter-competitive.
Dave Strummer - January 23, 2012
They just told a bunch of people who want to give fighters money to get lost, that money isn’t going to find it’s way to other fighters?
Phildo - January 23, 2012
There's certainly no guarantee that it will
The Gun Store, for instance, seems to have a pretty big marketing budget, but that gets spent in a lot of different places. Maybe the marketing department decides to rent three more billboards this year with the money it was going to pay in sponsorships. And really, outside of the big-time UFC shows, it might not be all that appealing to advertise on a fighter’s shorts. As someone who has to navigate them, I can tell you marketing budgets are fickle as hell.
Dave Strummer - January 23, 2012
maybe it will, but it isn’t the UFC’s fault if they think their money will be better spent on a billboard than on a bellator fighter’s ass.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
No, its not their fault
but it is their responsibility, given their size and dominance, to think about how their business decisions impact the fighters they employ.
Dave Strummer - January 23, 2012
A few guys losing sponsors for a few months is better for them than having issues with Fox. Every time they ban a sponsor it’s the end of the world, yet the shorts always manage to be filled.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
I agree that this one move
which, as I’m reading it, only actually impacts fighters on Fox cards, won’t have a huge material impact on fighters. But every time the UFC artificially shrinks the pool of potential sponsors (something it has done repeatedly) it lowers competition among the remaining sponsors for fighter endorsements, and by extension, lowers the value of those endorsements. The cumulative effect definitely hurts fighters.
Dave Strummer - January 23, 2012
yes, but this is not a single action. This action is coupled with massive increases in exposure by being on the Fox family of networks. Putting the 2 together is definitely an overall gain for the fighters.
Phildo - January 23, 2012
Exactly
Is the UFC and Fox going to help all the fighters that are screwed out of the sponsor check get a new “Mainstream” sponsor like a somekind of medicine that makes you sicker than you were to begin with, dick pills, or how anout a sex chat hotline? I doubt it.
40 Cal. - January 23, 2012
You have to be totally out of touch with reality to not understand why the UFC is doing this. I love guns. I shoot at the range all the time. I believe in gun owners’ rights. But to think the UFC is doing itself a long-term disservice by making this move tells me you’re a wee bit clueless.
Luke Thomas - January 23, 2012
Is anyone really questioning why they're doing it?
I think people are questioning whether they should do it, and whether the move is fair to the fighters who it directly impacts — both of which are legitimate questions.
Dave Strummer - January 23, 2012
I cant believe
how many of you guys really care one way or another, who sponsors the fighters. If you like guns shoot your guns, if you don’t like guns, then that is okay too. BTW the fights will still go on and the in cage product will not be tarnished because of this. All will be okay in the world.
KingJuave - January 23, 2012
As anyone who’s ever known me can attest to, I goddamn love booze and adore everything about drinking. But the fact that the UFC wants to ban gun and/or hunting sponsors, then keep Bud Light as its #1 sponsor is absolutely hypocritical and asinine.
Booze, for all of its WONDERFUL qualities, is a ruthless killer that can take a life in the blink of an eye, or over the course of many years. It’s killed babies in the womb and little girls crossing a street.
I hate taking money out of fighter’s pockets for any reason, really (Rumbleweight not included), and this just adds to the list of things the UFC just doesn’t fucking get and misses the point completely on.
BVandDietPepsi - January 23, 2012
I don't think that anyone is arguing that America's morals are skewed
But Bud Light doesn’t harm the UFC anymore than it harms the Superbowl.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Bud Light....
….and other such terrible, disgusting, heartless beers are doing the world UNTOLD damage, sir.
bigstupidsmile - January 23, 2012
I wouldn't know
I don’t drink bear.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
*beer*
But I certainly don’t drink bear either.
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
I tried it once
It was beary good.
menckenstein - January 23, 2012
And that's all folks
discoandherpes - January 23, 2012
Alcohol is still PC. At least Coors Light will be making an appearance
.
Skoobs - January 23, 2012
Coors light having enough money for SB commercials
Just makes me think people have shit taste for beer
IRodC - January 23, 2012
Good
Guns are for pussies
RashadsLeftNipple - January 23, 2012
That's what i say to the dude at my gym that only does curls
Skoobs - January 23, 2012
didn't you get banned?
pussies are against guns.
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012
excellent points
Now go find a can to shoot off a fence, that’s pretty badass.
Or maybe you can find a stupid animal to point it at and kill before it kills you first! Like one of those man eating deer!! Then we’ll know who’s tough!
RashadsLeftNipple - January 23, 2012
Yep your ignorance is exactly why ppl think legal guns & licensed & legit gun owners are the problem… If its not for you then it’s not for you but don’t bash others rights…
Oh also-
Go jack hammer your mutha
RECE ROCK - January 23, 2012 via mobile
RashadsLeftNipple - January 24, 2012
They're coming right for us!!!
The Lethal Haze - January 23, 2012
I'm sorry I couldn't hear you over the sound of my Magnum.
tigerlee - January 23, 2012
hell yeah
Tats16 - January 23, 2012
I get why they're doing it.
And, I don’t disagree. I just think it’s kind of a shame because the Gun Store seemed like a good sponsor who really tried to promote the UFC and its fighters as they promoted themselves. However, everyone knows about the Gun Store in Vegas, not just fight fans, so I’m sure they’ll be fine. I’m still a fan.
KatGirl - January 23, 2012
I've already seen the blurred shorts images on old fights
Replays of old fights on Fuel will look like a mess as they start to blur the cage, the shorts, & the banners.
tigerlee - January 23, 2012
Are they as trigger happy with the blur as the WWE?
bigstupidsmile - January 23, 2012
It just started, I noticed it this weekend when they were showing footage of previous fights during introductions.
tigerlee - January 23, 2012
You people will argue about just about anything.
First the gladiator intro needed to go. Now the Fox Sports music is too generic.
Joe and Goldie were the worst. Now suddenly KenFlo sucks at commentary.
Sponsors like Condom Depot were ridiculous for a professional sport. Now fighters should have the freedom to choose their own sponsors.
For fuck’s sake, people.
Zachary Kater - January 23, 2012
Are you new here?
Shnak - January 23, 2012
The new people are probably the problem. Fucking mainstream acceptance.
The whining on this site from commenters has been exponentially increasing over the past year or so. MMA fans are the most oversensitive people I’ve ever met, and I just get nostalgia thinking about the good ‘ole days when the comment sections on this site were filled with positive replies, with people giving genuine feedback to the OP and using the opportunity to learn from others who are knowledgeable about the subject. Now it’s all just a bunch of pissed off rants like what I just tricked myself into typing.
Zachary Kater - January 23, 2012
Oh, stop whining.
Shnak - January 23, 2012
You should have included the black RDJr pic
Skoobs - January 23, 2012
Amen Zach
DayGeaux - January 23, 2012
+1
can’t believe some of the shit that has to be explained to people
scratchface - January 23, 2012
Who you callin'
“You People”?
flashlight cop - January 23, 2012
It's alright everybody, we still have the Marines
KJ Gould - January 23, 2012
Paulo Filho sponsors The Gun Store everyday.
mountaineers101 - January 23, 2012
I always thought of The Gun Store as something like this:
Zachary Kater - January 23, 2012
I just wanna see someone sponsored by fuckbook.com
or even cougarlife.com
Ricardo Arguello - January 23, 2012
Lauzon should've been sponsored by Megaupload
menckenstein - January 23, 2012
Coulda happened before the shutdown
Dotcom had a ton of money to throw around
Ricardo Arguello - January 23, 2012
Maybe Ben Henderson gets sponsored by Christianmingle.com
IRodC - January 23, 2012
Say what?
Then you must also be unsettled by having the Marines sponsor so many events and having the UFC fighters and administrators visiting troops, right?
IKiIIed007 - January 23, 2012
Except that has nothing to do with this sponsor ban.
Thanks, but try again.
crazedfan - January 23, 2012
Maybe I should have explained this better...
1. Brent was unclear on WHY a violent sport with gun related sponsors is a little unsettling. I surely am not unsettled at all about a company which sells guns to the public also sponsoring MMA, therefore I’m not quite sure why he is and he didn’t go into any detail.
2. If he does explain what’s unsettling about it, or if someone else wants to explain what’s unsettling about it, I will continue on with my argument.
Note that I’m only dealing with Brent’s assertion that it’s unsettling. I’m not talking about marketing strategies in general. I just want to know why he feels unsettled by those sponsors.
IKiIIed007 - January 23, 2012
LOLz Gun nuts settle down.
As much fun as it is to watch gun nuts rage I must share some common sense with you, Do you ever seen gun ads in the NFL, NBA, NHL or any other major sporting event in the US?
And the UFC want to be treated like the other large sports frachices right?
Guns are a hot topic in this country, so try to understand why a company trully getting a chance to go mainstream may want to keep them selfs out of a topic like that.
RawrTastic - January 23, 2012
LOLz no way bro
FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS!!!!!!
But to be serious for a moment: people are more concerned about the UFC potentially screwing fighters out of sponsorship money.
Signed,
A gun nut.
menckenstein - January 23, 2012
Actually, they are not a hot topic
Gun ownership and support for gun rights is at an all time high and the anti-gun groups memberships are at an all time low as is the support for new laws restricting gun rights.
MadNachos - January 23, 2012
Political ish aside, this does open opportunities
The UFC can only keep have so many sponsors, and to make room for the real moneymakers, you gotta cut off some loose ends, you know?
dajulzta - January 23, 2012 via Android app
See my post below, after a commercial break during the Giants/49ers game this past weekend here in Vegas, it said “This Game is Sponsored by The Gun Store.” So I have seen it during other major sporting events, besides the fact, football players dont make their money from advertising.
metaldome - January 24, 2012
Interesting...but not true.
Dana says its not true. Nothing to see here, move along.
MadNachos - January 23, 2012
I'm still offended by the ban on tobacco advertising.
I don’t understand why advertising a legal product isn’t acceptable.
Llewdor - January 23, 2012
pathetic
KGW - January 23, 2012
When watching The Giants/49ers game this weekend in Vegas, when coming back from a commercial break, it said this game is sponsored by the Gun Store. I believe it was on NBC not Fox, but I guess its okay for NFL games but not UFC fights. I wouldnt really care if it was just a matter of The Gun Store advertising someplace else, but this is how the fighters make money.
metaldome - January 24, 2012
Dana campaigned for liberals
What do you expect? They will probably have a televised gay wedding next. Whatever, do what you want UFC, but I guarantee you that I will never pay the UFC for one of their pay per views again. There are a lot of places to get their content for free, so STICK IT!! You are just hurting your fighters, and small business. Just like a liberal would.
Dougsname - January 24, 2012
Oh noes!
Can’t televise a gay wedding. What would that do to the children? THINK ABOUT THE CHILDREN!
discoandherpes - January 24, 2012
yup, it’s all about the liberals. That’s why those crazy republicans are keeping the ufc out of ny, and the UFC owners gave a ton of money to that lefty pig Huntsman.
Phildo - January 24, 2012
How did you jump from guns to gays?
I hate censorship and disagree with gun laws, but respect the right to bare arms.
Using gay marriage in a post flaming liberals over censorship is a bit of a puzzling move though.
Gay marriage is something the conservative party has done everything in its power to censor, deny, overturn and ban. So using an example of extreme Conservative censorship to put down what you perceive to be liberal censorship is a misguided use of circular logic.
mannfretti - January 24, 2012
"getting rid of them is not really a bad thing."
A journalist saying that censorship is not really a bad thing. FML.
mannfretti - January 24, 2012
How much of a connection is there really between the universes of guns and mma?
Just because it’s a combat sport doesn’t mean you have to embrace some kind of uber-macho dichotomy where all you care about is guns, women, fighting and booze. I do like some of those things, but aren’t martial arts supposed to be about discipline as well?
\on a side note though, be interesting if someone had some pics of previous events where there has been lots of blatant placement of weapons advertising, I probably just haven’t seen enough shows to see much
UK MMA MAN - February 7, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bloody Elbow to post a comment.