UFC fighter Ronda Rousey "has added another major endorsement deal to her growing roster of sponsors," partnering with Monster Energy, according to Damon Martin of FOX SPORTS. Monster Energy "has become a mainstay with the UFC over the last few years with endorsement deals locked in with the promotion as well as individual deals with several fighters on the roster," including Donald Cerrone, Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier. Over the last two years, Rousey "has inked deals with several notable brands, including Reebok and now Monster Energy, while also landing commercials and endorsement deals with Carl's Jr., Metro PCS and Buffalo Jeans by David Bitton" (FOX SPORTS, 11/6). In Melbourne, Angela Pippos wrote UFC has made Rousey "very rich and very famous -- she has lucrative sponsorship deals, her face appears on billboards across the globe, she’s landed parts in Hollywood movies, appeared on all the primetime chat shows and has been referenced in rap songs" (THE NEW DAILY, 11/11).
KEEPING HER GUARD UP: USA TODAY's Martin Rogers reported Australian politicians and child protection groups have said that minors "should be banned from attending UFC 193 this weekend." A crowd of "up to 70,000" is expected at Etihad Stadium on Saturday when Rousey faces Holly Holm. Rousey in an interview with a Melbourne TV station decided to "speak in defense of MMA" on Tuesday. She said, "I don’t believe it is violent at all. I believe it is called martial arts for a reason. It is an art. It might look a little graphic; it doesn’t actually mean it is that dangerous. Most of the injuries in the sport are actually cosmetic" (USA TODAY, 11/11).
