Jon Jones Gets GAT as First New Sponsor Since UFC Reinstatement
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has landed GAT, his first new sponsor since being reinstated by the UFC.
Jones lost several sponsorship deals when he was charged with felony hit-and-run in Albuquerque, N.M. in April. Chief among them was sports nutrition supplement company MuscleTech, which is also sponsors Arthur and Chandler Jones, Jon's brothers, who both play football in the NFL.
“MuscleTech and Jon Jones have parted ways at this time,” a MuscleTech representative told MMAWeekly.com at the time of Jones' initial legal troubles. The company seemed to feel it was the best move for their brand and Jones given the circumstances.
GAT, however, appears ready to step in and take MuscleTech's place now that Jones has agreed to a plea bargain in New Mexico and been reinstated by the UFC.
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“This is a very exciting athlete signing for GAT, Jon Jones is regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, and we want to support Jon’s mission to once again become the world light heavyweight champion,” said Charles Moser, GAT CEO. “GAT strives to help all of our elite athletes reach their greatest potential, and be the champions of their sport.”
Jones does not yet have his return bout scheduled, but it is all but a lock that his first fight will be a challenge of current UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, whom Jones has defeated once already. Although the fight isn't scheduled, Jones has been chomping at the bit to get back in action, and having sponsors return to his side surely bolsters the idea that he hasn't dropped far off the public's radar.
“I am very grateful to have such a terrific brand like GAT sponsor me as one of their athletes,” said Jones. “I look forward to working with TEAMGAT and to taking the GAT brand with me in becoming the number one name in MMA.”
