The problem with Reebok kits (other than money)

[RespekBA]

Ok so we all know they're boring, plain, lack individuality and it sucks for the fighters etc. But there's more to it than that. Mike Tyson is Iconic. Short black trunks, short black boots. Hulk Hogan is Iconic, yellow trunks red knee pads yellow boots. Batman is Iconic. Ryu from street fighter is Iconic. BJ Penn with his white trunks with a black belt designed into them is Iconic. Cro Cop, Sakuraba, etc.

What this deal does it take the possibility of iconography away from fighters. This might be overlooked or seen as no big deal, but when you think of legends, alot of them have an iconic look.

Dana counters this with "all professional sports have a kit". NO. All professional TEAM sports have a kit. Name one sport which is an individual sport in which the same manufacturer hands out the same variations of the same kit to individuals? The Olympics maybe? Not many "iconic" figures found there.

Just a couple points I felt were interesting with the whole Reebok kit thing, I know it's a subject which has been done to death so apologies. But my point is, while this is worthwhile to them financially in the short term, when we look back on this era in 30 years, there will be no "you know, the guy who wore the red with a black stripe and had black ankle wraps!" etc. Might be no big deal to some but i think it's important in building larger than life figures.

 

[BisexualMMA]

I agree with you. But you basically said that the issues isn't plain / boring / lack individuality, but rather taking away the possibility of iconography.

Same thing to me, more or less.

 

[CoolKnees]

Agreed. Anderson Silva just doesn't look the same without his trademark Bruce Lee yellow shorts.

 

[Sporeborn]

The problem with Reebok kits is that they actually exist in reality.

 

[Fizzee Water]

If they wanted to actually sell these fucking things, they should let the fighters customize their own kits. Forcing them to wear the same colors is just retarded. Black and white? Come on, son.

 

[M3LDY]

I think everyone agrees the deal sucks 100%

 

[Strychnine]

They're ugly as congealed butt-funk?

 

[Bvr]

Imagine the iceman not walking out in his iconic shorts

 

[Deleted member 491001]

I agree wholeheartedly and think Felice Herrig's argument against them was sound (used to make her own).

There will never be another Iceman shorts or Tito shorts.

Kinda depressing.

Spoiler

Also, Giblert.

 

[Deleted member 491001]

And just think; the UFC and Beerok are depriving us of ever again seeing a Tecia Torres or Felice Herrig fighting with Dennis Hallman shorts on!

 

[manwich]

I didn't read your post, so I'm just gonna assume you said "they look like shit". 10/10

 

[Ceez]

Killed the individuality. Not seeing Jones like this but in the retarded Reebok stuff kills it

 

[soulsstealer]

I dont blame reebok one bit its exactly what the UFC wants their brand over the fighters.The blame should be on UFC not reebok.

 

[BruceLeeOnTRT]

I think at this point it's good. Bellator is willing to let fighters keep sponsors and their personal style, and fighters who want that have a venue now. May be bad for UFC in long run (remains to be seen), but mma is in a great position right now.