Yes, what you’ve heard is 100% factual. Logan Paul has actually signed what is being described as a “big money” contract with the UFC. Just not the contract anybody really anticipated. Or wanted outside of the relevant parties.
Despite UFC President Dana White’s ongoing beef with the other Paul brother, he’s decided to partner with Logan by making the latter’s best-selling PRIME Energy the official sports drink of the UFC. Logos splashed across the Octagon canvas and all.
“We’re excited to name PRIME the Official Sports Drink of UFC and an official partner of the UFC Performance Institute,” said Dana White via press release.
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“Logan and KSI have worked hard to build PRIME into the best-tasting, hottest sports drink on the market. With their massive social media following and UFC’s global reach, we’re going to get the PRIME brand in front of hundreds of millions of fans all over the world.”
“Whether you’re a professional athlete or if you just love working out, PRIME should be your first choice for a go-to sports drink.”
“I’ve been a fan of UFC for as long as I can remember, so having the opportunity to partner with them and amplify the PRIME brand is a check off the bucket list,” added Logan Paul.
“Together, we are a global powerhouse and this collaboration is sure to extend far beyond the Octagon with an opportunity to give back in the process with the UFC Foundation.”
PRIME Energy proved to be a little more than superficial hype last year when it generated an impressive US$250 million in sales. But hype there was.
At one stage, supply was so low and demand was so high that certain storeowners were jacking up the retail price of a single bottle from US$2.50 all the way to US$120. One woman had even paid US$1,500 in exchange for a 12-pack; something which swiftly earned the public disapproval of KSI himself.
“Oh my god, no… Stop buying it at these prices,” KSI urged in his public response video.
In contrast to the headline-making development, Logan’s younger brother Jake Paul has recently signed a multi-year MMA contract with the Professional Fighters League.
According to The New York Times, the divisive 25-year-old YouTuber turned pro boxer’s agreement involves competing in a brand new Super Fight division featuring influencers and celebrities “who show some level of fighting proficiency” in bouts against established professional fighters, made available to the public via pay-per-view.
“He’s got a growing boxing career, but it doesn’t prevent him from entering into the sport of MMA, and we’re excited about that,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray.
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At the time of this writing, while Jake Paul does not have a bout scheduled, he reportedly plans to participate in a proper MMA fight this year. And in true Problem Child fashion, he’s already been calling out A-list names that would certainly make for extremely enjoyable viewing.
“Nate Diaz I’m down to fight you in your own damn sport. Let’s make it happen. If that’s not balls, then I don’t know what is,” Jake Paul said of his proposal to throw hands with the UFC retiree and combat sports free agent in a boxing match before facing off under MMA rules just six months later.
He added: “I would beat Nate Diaz up in an MMA fight. There’s nothing he could do. To me, I’ve always felt like I’ve jumped in the deep end, even in boxing, maybe besides, like, Ben Askren.”
Former UFC star Anthony Pettis, who is currently on the PFL roster, has kindly offered to “welcome” Jake Paul to the world of MMA should Nate Diaz pass up on the aforementioned challenge. But only time will tell who gets the honour of popping Jake’s cage cherry. Probably some tomato can.
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