The Combat Sports division of apparel giant
"Luke Rockhold is the kind of renaissance athlete a brand dreams of working with," said Adidas Combat Sports Managing Director Scott Viscomi. "He understands what it means to be a professional Adidas athlete, and he does everything we ask of him, in addition to bringing us opportunities. We are honored to have him on the team with Robbie and look forward to working with them as we continue our mission to add value to the USA combat sports market."
Rockhold is currently ranked as the No. 5 middleweight fighter on the official UFC Fighter Rankings. His next fight is scheduled for November 8 against Michael Bisping (25 wins, 6 losses) at Allphones Arena in Sydney Australia. It is being billed as the Main Event of the night.
While Adidas praises Rockhold's professionalism, Rockhold credits hip hop performers Run DMC for enticing him to sign with Adidas.
"Ever since Run DMC came out with their shell toes and Adidas track suits, I was hooked. I can’t imagine a better brand to represent," said Luke Rockhold. "I’m looking forward to taking over the MMA world with Adidas Combat Sports."
Adidas now has two UFC fighters under contract with Rockhold joining Lawler, who should continue to serve as the face of Adidas' Combat Sports Division. Along with Reebok (both Reebok and Adidas are owned by holding company Adidas AG), which is endorsed by Johny Hendricks and is rumored to be making a push to sign more UFC fighters, Adidas is showing a commitment to the UFC and Mixed Martial Arts. This will likely not be the last UFC fighter signed to Adidas' quickly growing Combat Sports division.
Darren Heitner is a lawyer and the Founder of South Florida-based HEITNER LEGAL, P.L.L.C., which has a focus on Sports Law and Entertainment Law.
