US-based mixed martial arts organisation the Ultimate Fighting Championship has entered into a new partnership with the British Judo national governing body.
Under the deal, the terms of which were not disclosed, UFC will become the title sponsor of the 2015 British Open Judo Championships, the governing body’s showpiece national event that will take place at Wembley Arena, London on July 12.
UFC will also benefit from advertising on the official British Judo website and social media platforms as well as various other advertising opportunities throughout the course of the deal.
Judo is one of the combat sport disciplines widely used by MMA fighters in the UFC. Current UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey won the bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
Andrew Scoular, chief executive of British Judo, said: “By partnering with such a leading martial arts brand as UFC, we will receive significant added exposure for British Judo as a core martial art and the partnership will be instrumental in raising the profile of the sport of judo, ultimately leading to increased participation for young people.”