Ronaldo's company cuts ties with UFC and destroys contract with Reebok

The peak of 9ine and Ronaldo's (right) performance in the UFC was during the reign of A. Silva (left). Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

After being responsible for managing the image of some of the main former Brazilian MMA champions, such as Anderson Silva, Vitor belfort e Junior Gypsy, “9ine”, a company run by former Brazilian national team star Ronaldo, is officially out of the UFC. And the break between the parties does not seem to have been the most amicable.

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Through an official note, published on the “Combate” channel website, the company harshly criticized the current management model of the largest MMA organization on the planet and cited the exclusive contract for the supply of sporting equipment and sponsorship with Reebok as the main responsible for ending relations with the event.

In a certain part of the statement, “9ine” argues that Ronaldo considers it unacceptable “to see an organization change its rules for attracting sponsorship and remuneration of fighters – in an arbitrary way – without taking a position. (…) Therefore, 9ine leaves the “UFC business” without ceasing to take a stand regarding what we believe to be an injustice towards the athletes, true warriors, who make a living from MMA. We wish them every success and wisdom to deal with the difficulties that lie ahead.”

The agreement between Reebok and the UFC was signed in December 2014, but came into effect in July of this year, the week of UFC 189. From that date on, fighters can even maintain their personal sponsors, but it is prohibited to exposure of its brands during fight week or the use of its sports equipment in the octagon, which becomes exclusive to Reebok.

Check out 9ine's harsh statement below:

We inform you that as of this date, 9ine Sports & Entertainment will withdraw from any negotiations involving the UFC, its events or fighters. The agency does not believe in the new model adopted by the company in attracting sponsorship and is of the opinion that it directly harms all of the organization's athletes, in addition to the companies that have supported and invested in the UFC for many years.

The story between 9ine and UFC is old. We were the first sports marketing and entertainment agency to dive head first into projects proposed by the franchise. We were also pioneers in working on the image of fighters like Anderson Silva, Junior Gypsy and more recently Vitor belfort. All champions and references in their categories.

But a great company isn't just about business. We have principles founded on the vision of a former athlete and lover of sport. Our president, Ronaldo Nazário, cannot tolerate seeing an organization change its rules for attracting sponsorship and remuneration for fighters – in an arbitrary manner – without taking a position.

Therefore, 9ine leaves the “UFC business” without ceasing to take a stand regarding what we believe to be an injustice towards the athletes, true warriors, who make a living from MMA. We wish them every success and wisdom to deal with the difficulties that lie ahead.”

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