UFC signs deal with toymaker JAKKS Pacific (original) (raw)

The UFC has signed a four-year agreement with JAKKS Pacific that will give the toymaker the license to produce action figures based on the UFC brand.

"We are thrilled to have JAKKS on board as our first official UFC action figure partner," UFC President Dana White stated. "The demand for UFC is tremendous, and through this relationship with JAKKS, we can present authentic UFC products and have them available to our loyal UFC fans all around the world."

Among the fighters that will receive the action figure treatment are Chuck Liddell, Brock Lesnar, Antonio "Minotauro" Nogueira, Michael Bisping and Anderson Silva.

There will also be Octagon sets and role-play items based on the UFC.

In an announcement by JAKKS Pacific, the expected launch for the UFC toy line is in 2009. However the figures might hit stores sooner in time for Christmas, according to White during today's appearance on "Powerlunch" on CNBC.

In addition to the JAKKS Pacific deal, the UFC announced several other partnerships on its website today: JC Penny stores will house "UFC Hot Zones" in the Young Men's department for UFC apparel; Silver Buffalo will develop UFC watches and bar accessories; and US Bank will release a UFC VISA card that will reward members with points for purchasing UFC merchandise.