Fighters Only reported today that the UFC has banned apparel companies RVCA and Clinch Gear from appearing in the Octagon; the latter owned by former UFC fighter and current free agent Dan Henderson.
Clinch Gear was acquired by Henderson in 2007 and often appears in the Octagon, notably amongst Henderson’s Team Quest teammates.
The banning of Hendo’s clothing is the latest indication that he will not be signing with the UFC. As we previously reported, UFC president Dana White has publicly stated that contract talks between the two parties are over. However, Henderson’s management has said they are still open to all possibilities, despite rumors of his signing with the Strikeforce promotion.
Henderson’s last fight for the organization came at UFC 100, where he knocked out Michael Bisping after the two served as coaches on the ninth season of The Ultimate Fighter.
RVCA has served as the longtime sponsor of current UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn. According to the report by Fighters Only, the company is no longer welcome in the UFC due to their sponsorship of Fedor Emelianenko in his matchup with Brett Rogers at the recent Strikeforce event.
The UFC’s ban on sponsors is nothing new. They famously banned t-shirt company Affliction when the company started it’s MMA promotion in 2008. However, since folding their MMA promotion, Affliction has once again resumed sponsoring UFC fighters.
Its almost as if the UFC wants to push Hendo away! Doesnt make any sense but irritates me nonetheless