Kobe Bryant’s BODYARMOR Announces First UFC Fighters to Receive Sponsorship

Back in the beginning of October, the UFC announced a partnership with a drink company co-founded by Kobe Bryant named BODYARMOR. The press release revealed just how involved they would be, especially inside the new UFC Performance Institute. Before the ink dried on the contract, we all knew this would eventually lead to sponsorships of UFC fighters. After the final UFC 217 presser today, BODYARMOR had their own time to officially present the new fighters signed on to team BODYARMOR.

We’re at the launch of the first ever official UFC drinks partner @DrinkBODYARMOR. Recognize anyone up there on the stage? pic.twitter.com/BQ4B5AbLKo

— TheMacLife (@Maclifeofficial) November 2, 2017

Cody Garbrandt, Francis Ngannou, Michelle Waterson and Cynthia Calvillo will be added to a team already consisting of high profile athletes like the NFL’s Richard Sherman and NBA’s James Harden. Their choices give a peak into where the UFC sees their company going in the near future. Dana White has already praised Garbrandt as the new Conor McGregor, as well as Ngannou as literally the next big thing. If their marketing tells us BODYARMOR is the drink of the future, surely these are the fighters of the future. 

The company is just over a year old, but has experienced a rapid growth since it starting hitting store shelves. The partnership it will kick off with the UFC as their official sports drink will be their biggest company deal yet. Look to see their logo eventually being featured during the fights.

“BODYARMOR is an industry leader in sports hydration and they are a perfect fit to partner with UFC. Providing UFC athletes with safe, nutritional products while training at the UFC Performance Institute is an important part of helping them maximize their overall performance and BODYARMOR will help us do that.” — Dana White via official press release.

Announcement: @Cody_NoLove, @Cyn_Calvillo, @Francis_Ngannou & @KarateHottieMMA sponsored athletes of @DrinkBodyArmor. UFC flavor unveiled 👀 pic.twitter.com/6PXnjwBhZr

— UFC (@ufc) November 2, 2017

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 11/2/2017.