The UFC fighters have become more vocal about the UFC – Reebok partnership, and the perennial contender for the welterweight title, Rory MacDonald might be the next fighter to leave UFC. Rory fought the last fight on his contract during his loss to Stephen Thompson, and has previously said that he would be interested in listening to offers from other organizations.
Reebok’s deal essentially curbs the fighters from gaining any sponsorship money, taking a large chunk of what they earn during their fight. Considering the sponsorship pay takes up a large piece of the pie, the fighters weren’t happy with the decision. However, with UFC being the biggest organization in the world, the fighters ultimately dream of fighting in the company.
However, money isn’t the only issue for the fighters. Reebok designs the apparels and fight kits for the fighters, which includes their gear during the fight. While they’ve messed up on a few occasions – including messing up the Irish map, angering Conor McGregor and his coach and even once coming out with the name of “Anderson Aldo”, their fight gear has proven to be a massive hindrance for the women especially.
We need to understand that this is the fight game. It is a sport which needs complete focus and attention of the fighters, as they indulge in mental and physical warfare inside the Octagon. Not too long ago, people sneered at the thought of women fighting, and it has taken a lot of persistence from organizations such as Invicta, for the fans to take the women seriously.
Being physically and mentally involved is of the utmost importance during a fight. One wrong move or miscalculation can lead to a fighter getting knocked out. Inside the Octagon, the fighter needs to concentrate on his/her opponent, and not worry about the corner men, their fight gear or anything else.
However, it has been difficult for the women to concentrate on their fights, as there have been frequent wardrobe malfunctions during their bouts. Recently, Valerie Letourneau took to social media to talk about her wardrobe malfunction during her fight with Joanne Calderwood. While to the naked eye, this appears to be just an accident. However, this has been happening quite frequently, which raises questions about the women’s gear.
Here is what Valerie posted on her Facebook page:
“I want to clarify something, my daughter told me what the commentators were saying during the fight, and I felt insulted.
I have been practicing martial arts for 17 years, so I have no problem taking hits to the chest. It is the rule, and it isn't worse than a low kick! My only problem during the fight is that my bra litterally slipped under my breasts.
This is why I stared, embarrassed, at the referee, and I have no idea what Jojo told me, but I had to keep fighting. It seems that I was being mocked because I seemed to be complaining of blows to the breast. I think that I have nothing to prove regarding the numbers of hits I can take without complaining.
Guys, would you be able to keep fighting without being distracted if one of your nuts was slipping out of your shorts?
Anyway, it does not excuse my defeat, but I wanted to clarify this part of the fight!”
A valid point raised by Valerie
To understand the difficulties of Valerie during her fight, let us take a look at the number of times she had to adjust her top mid way, in between throwing combinations.
The above image was posted by Suzanne Davis, who counted the number of times Valerie had to adjust the straps – individually, simultaneously or sequentially – during her fight. As you can see, the adjustments were made either after trading shots or in between the combinations. A fighter shouldn’t worry about her wardrobe, and should be able to focus on her fight.
While this piece isn’t meant to defend Valerie’s loss or question the circumstances under which Joanne won, it is almost impossible for any fighter to focus while worrying about their wardrobe. This wasn’t the first time such an instance occurred inside the Octagon either.
Past instances and the emergence of a pattern
It isn’t just the women who’ve had to endure these embarrassing situations. Clay Guida tore his shorts, while Faber’s shorts slipped during his title fight, giving the fans a nice snippet of the “California kids”. While there were a couple of instances of wardrobe malfunctions before the Reebok era, they have certainly spiked since the UFC fighters were forced to wear the Reebok fight gear.
Just ask Maryna Moroz, Cristina Stanciu, Jessamyn Duke or Elizabeth Phillips; the sport is incredibly tough on the athletes, who could suffer permanent brain damage with one big shot. They shouldn’t worry about their sports bras or shorts falling down while they’re trying to protect themselves.
While the fighters can deal with the pay cut, is wearing Reebok gear safe for the fighters? How many more times do we need to see wardrobe malfunctions before someone raises their voice?
I guess that is something only time can tell.
