Jury offers his solution to UFC fighters making more from sponsorships
Myles Jury: “This epidemic has gone too far and I have high hopes that I can send a crystal clear message to help get everyone on the right path.”
The sponsorship landscape for MMA fighters has changed through the years. It used to be that any sponsor would be allowed and growing MMA companies were spending a lot of money on fighters. That has dwindled as the UFC became involved in monitoring and restricting sponsors and companies become more cognizant of their ROI on sponsoring fighters.
UFC lightweight Myles Jury today came to the Underground to advise fighters and managers on how to maximize their value and conduct themselves:
There’s far too many weak links when it comes to sponsorships with UFC fighters. This epidemic has gone too far and I have high hopes that I can send a crystal clear message to help get everyone on the right path.
For starters, UFC sponsor tax with clothing/nutrition companies is normal business, just like you see in Nascar. So I have nothing negative to say about that, I actually agree with it. UFC built these platforms for businesses to thrive, so of course they should get a cut.
UFC Fighters-
STOP TAKING TRADE DEALS & CHUMP CHANGE FOR SPONSORSHIPS!!!!!! Get a good manager that will put in the time and a lot of hard work to get you what you deserve (if you are in the UFC, you deserve a lot). It’d be a good business decision to get with your manager (a good one), figure out what all you do, what all you like, the ways you bring exposure to companies to generate ROI (return of investment). From there, you should get some sense of direction with sponsors (don’t just ask anyone or be a snake by going after others sponsors, it won’t go good). Keep in mind, there are not many companies that will just give you money, so you and your manager need to show your worth by making it beneficial for all. Reminder, do not sell yourself short with trade deals or low income. $2,000 doesn’t get you far, so earn what you deserve. Yes, it’s better to turn deals down holding out for what your worth. If you don’t, you just cemented your price tag that will not change. Approve or deny all of your deals and put the pressure on your manager. If you’re in need of a good manager, shoot me a message and I’ll point you in the right direction.
MANAGERS OF UFC FIGHTERS-
STOP BEING LAZY, stop trying to only get what others have, put in the time, work hard and NEVER sell your clients short. It’s bad business in so many aspects I don’t know where to begin. Step up for your client or move along far away from this business, because there’s way too many bad/lazy people in this business that we need to get rid of asap. Instead of glittering fight shorts and banner with logos based on deals that is not making your client a lot of money, work hard to get what fighters need. That means NO trade or petty money deals. Yes, it takes more work but that is the point of what you’re supposed to do. Your job is to produce and never stop producing so your client are constantly doing better. Instead of marketing yourself, only market your fighter (if you’re doing a good job, you shouldn’t have time to even market yourself like a lot do). If you do not understand your full jpb and the expectations, let me know because you need a consulation asap!
In regards to UFC approved CLOTHING COMPANIES……. It’s no secret there’s only a few and it doesn’t take rocket science to figure out they they stick together like a union to get away with lowballing fighters. It’s now time to take a stand and do what’s right. These companies try to get away with paying lower and lower to the point that I personally know quite a few that are accepting gear trade for payment. I would flip out if I was ever offered that, and it’s mind blowing so many could be ignorant enough to except that. Long story short, these companies are thriving on us UFC fighters, yet not respecting us at all. So what do you do? Respect yourself and everyone in this buisness by not accepting those crap deals, wear blank shorts and make your money outside of your fights. In turn, if everyone does this they will be forced to pay up or lose a lot of business. Don’t get it confused, we control the market, so don’t mess it up by accepting anything but what you’re worth or you will ruin it not only for yourself, but everyone in this business.
I won’t mind if UFC just wipes all clothing companies out with a uniform, as long as we have the same space for sponsorships. If not, it would be a big problem.
I hope you UFC fighters and managers will step up and do what’s right so the main ones I’m speaking about don’t need called out. To be clear, I have the best team possible. The issue is the idiots that are ruining it for everyone. If you are a UFC fighter or manager of one and need a business consultation, let me know.
If you want to support a MMA gear/clothing company that does good business, go with RevGear.com.
Shoot me a message by clicking here–> JuryJJ.com