The UFC has grown into one of the biggest sports brands in the world, and behind every knockout, weigh-in, and title fight, there’s something that keeps the business running smoothly — sponsorships.
In this article, we’ll break down the official UFC sponsors in 2025, who they are, what they offer, and why these partnerships matter — both to the UFC and to fans watching at home.
Whether you’re a MMA enthusiast, a business-minded fan, or a curious bettor, understanding UFC sponsors gives you a fresh look at how the organization earns, markets, and grows globally.
Why Do Sponsors Matter in the UFC?
Sponsorships are a major part of how the UFC makes money. In fact, UFC sponsorship deals bring in hundreds of millions of dollars each year. These partnerships help cover the costs of running events, promoting fighters, and growing the brand worldwide.
But that’s not all.
Sponsors also shape what you see during the fights — from logos on fighter shorts to brands on the Octagon floor. And the more the UFC grows, the more top brands want in on the action.
Official UFC Sponsors in 2025
Let’s start with the big names — the official global partners of the UFC. These brands are seen on every UFC pay-per-view, fight night, and promotional campaign.
Here are some of the biggest:
1. Venum – Official Fight Gear Partner
Since 2021, Venum has been the official outfitter for all UFC fighters. They replaced Reebok and now supply all the fight kits, shorts, and walkout gear. Fighters wear Venum-branded gear in every official UFC bout, and the company is known for blending high-performance materials with sleek designs.
2. Monster Energy – Official Energy Drink of the UFC
You’ve probably noticed the big green “M” logo on the Octagon mat. That’s Monster Energy, one of the UFC’s longest-running sponsors. Monster sponsors both the UFC itself and individual fighters (outside of official gear). They’re often seen on fighter banners and behind-the-scenes interviews.
3. Crypto.com – Official Crypto Platform Partner
In one of the UFC’s biggest sponsorship deals ever (reportedly worth over $175 million), Crypto.com became the official cryptocurrency platform of the UFC in 2021. Their logo appears on fighter kits, walkout gear, and Octagon signage. The partnership also introduced a “Fan Bonus of the Night” paid in crypto, voted on by fans.
4. DraftKings – Official Betting Partner
As sports betting grows across the U.S., DraftKings has become a key UFC partner. They offer real-time odds, betting promos, and fight-night specials. Their integration during UFC broadcasts helps educate fans on betting while driving new users to their app.
5. Modelo – Official Beer of the UFC (U.S.)
If you’ve watched UFC pay-per-views in the U.S., you’ve definitely seen Modelo commercials and branding. As the official beer sponsor, Modelo is heavily featured in fight night promos, TV ads, and Octagon signage. Their slogan “Brewed for those with a fighting spirit” fits right into the UFC vibe.
6. Howler Head – Official Flavored Whiskey
Launched with the help of UFC president Dana White, Howler Head Whiskey quickly became the official flavored whiskey of the UFC. It’s a banana-flavored bourbon brand that’s visible at press conferences and promo events. The UFC actively promotes Howler Head across its platforms, making it a unique mix of branding and business synergy.
7. EA Sports – Official UFC Video Game Partner
EA Sports UFC has been the go-to game for MMA fans, and the partnership continues strong in 2025. The latest edition, EA Sports UFC 5, features top fighters and real-time gameplay improvements. UFC fighters often help promote the game through trailers and Twitch streams.
8. Toyo Tires – Longtime Octagon Sponsor
Toyo Tires has been around the Octagon for years. While they may not be a flashy name like Crypto.com or DraftKings, they’re a trusted and visible brand on fight night. You’ll often see the Toyo Tires logo on the Octagon canvas and during pre-fight promos.
9. Prime Hydration – Fighter-Backed Brand
Started by influencers Logan Paul and KSI, Prime Hydration became a UFC sponsor in 2023. It’s popular among younger audiences and has strong social media traction. Prime is now the official sports drink of the UFC, featured in walkout areas and on broadcast graphics.
What About the Octagon Canvas Sponsors?
The Octagon floor is some of the most valuable ad space in the UFC. It’s seen by millions during every fight and replay, which is why brands pay big bucks to get their logos there.
Depending on the event, you’ll see:
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Monster Energy (center logo)
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Toyo Tires
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Crypto.com
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Modelo
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Prime Hydration
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DraftKings
These brands are strategically placed so they get the most visibility during takedowns, ground-and-pound exchanges, and camera zoom-ins.
Regional & Event-Specific Sponsors
Not all UFC sponsors are global. Some are event-specific or tied to locations, especially for international fight nights.
For example:
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Abu Dhabi Tourism Board often sponsors UFC events in the UAE
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TNT Sports (UK) and ESPN (U.S.) have broadcast deals tied to branding
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VeChain, a blockchain platform, has previously sponsored Asia-Pacific events
These deals often rotate, so what you see in UFC Vegas may look very different from a UFC Fight Night in London or Rio.
Fighter-Specific Sponsorships: What’s Allowed in 2025?
Fighter sponsorships in the UFC have changed a lot over the years. Before 2015, fighters could wear any sponsor’s logo on their shorts, walkout shirts, and banners. Brands like TapouT, Affliction, and Xyience were everywhere. But then came the Reebok era, and things tightened up.
Now in 2025, fighters are limited to what the UFC allows, but there’s been some flexibility lately. Here’s what’s currently allowed:
✅ What Fighters Can Do:
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Wear Venum fight kits (official UFC gear)
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Earn bonuses from Crypto.com’s Fan Bonus of the Night
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Promote personal sponsors on social media, YouTube, and podcasts
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Sign personal deals with brands like Monster Energy, Prime, Celsius, etc., as long as they don’t appear during fight night gear
What Fighters Can’t Do:
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Wear non-approved logos on their fight gear
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Promote unauthorized brands during official UFC events or weigh-ins
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Display custom banners inside the Octagon (these were banned years ago)
This shift has led many fighters to focus on building their own brand outside the cage—via content, podcasts, and personal partnerships.
️ Historical UFC Sponsors (Blast from the Past)
To understand how far the UFC has come, it’s worth looking back at some iconic past sponsors. These brands helped shape the UFC’s early identity:
Reebok (2015–2020)
The Reebok deal was UFC’s first major apparel contract. It introduced a uniform look but was criticized for limiting fighter earnings. It was replaced by Venum in 2021.
Bud Light
A major UFC sponsor in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Their slogan “Here We Go” became part of fight-night hype. Bud Light made a surprise return in 2024, reclaiming its place as the UFC’s official beer partner in certain markets.
Affliction & TapouT
These edgy apparel brands were everywhere during the early UFC boom. Fighters rocked these logos in walkouts, pre-fight interviews, and highlight reels. They helped build the UFC’s identity before the league went more corporate.
Xyience
One of the UFC’s earliest sponsors, especially known for energy drinks. Xyience ads were a staple on UFC broadcasts from 2006–2012.
These companies were part of the UFC’s gritty, underground era — before big names like Crypto.com and Modelo took over.
How UFC Sponsorships Impact Revenue and Growth
Sponsorship deals are a major revenue source for the UFC, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars each year. In fact, experts estimate that UFC’s annual sponsorship revenue exceeds $100 million as of 2025. This income helps fund:
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High-profile fight cards and global events
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Fighter salaries and bonuses
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Marketing campaigns and media production
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Expansion into new markets worldwide
Big brands want exposure to the UFC’s millions of passionate fans who watch fights on TV, streaming platforms, and social media. This exposure builds brand loyalty while helping UFC maintain its position as the top MMA organization globally.
What’s Next for UFC Sponsorships?
The future looks exciting. As the UFC continues to expand internationally and innovate with new technology, sponsorships will likely evolve in these ways:
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More Tech & Crypto Partnerships: As seen with Crypto.com, expect more blockchain, NFT, and tech brands getting involved.
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Health & Wellness Brands: Given MMA’s focus on fitness, expect sponsors in supplements, recovery, and nutrition to grow.
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Localized Regional Sponsors: For global events, local brands will increasingly partner with UFC for targeted marketing.
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Interactive Fan Experiences: Sponsors may invest in AR/VR and fan engagement platforms to enhance live events.
Final Thoughts
The UFC’s sponsors today are a mix of longtime partners and fresh new brands. From Venum’s official fight gear to Monster Energy’s logos you see everywhere, these partnerships keep the UFC running and looking great.
If you’re a fan or someone who bets on fights, knowing who sponsors the UFC gives you a better idea of how big and professional the sport has become. For fighters, sponsorships open doors both in the cage and beyond.
So next time you watch a fight, remember there’s a whole world of sponsors helping make it happen — and they’re only going to keep growing.
