Ahead of the Ultimate Fighting Championship's (UFC) upcoming mixed martial arts event in Rio de Janeiro on 14th January, a number of the promotion's biggest stars have signed personal endorsement deals.
In a growing trend amongst Brazilian UFC fighters, UFC featherweight champion José Aldo has signed a personal endorsement deal with Brazilian soccer club Flamengo, the team he has supported since childhood.
The agreement mimics that of Anderson Silva's deal with fellow Brasileirão club Corinthians and sees Aldo walking to the Octagon ahead of his title fight against American Chad Mendes wearing the Flamengo shirt.
"It's a dream that’s been realized," said Aldo. "I always cheered, cried and followed Flamengo since childhood and now to be part of this company is wonderful.”
Flamengo president Patricia Amorim added, “He had already shown on several occasions the love he has for Flamengo. We had a few meetings before, but today, we confirmed our partnership. “After dating for a long time, it has finally become a marriage. Jose Aldo now is part of our team.”
The second deal sees UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar signing with sports nutrition brand Gaspari Nutrition and as such will actively blog on the company's website and make appearances on behalf of the brand.
Financial terms of the agreement were not released.
Aldo / Edgar – Flamengo / Gaspari
