UFC, Nike In Row Over Involving 'False Advertising' Over Participants In World Tour

The Ultimate Fighting Championship and Nike "appear to be grappling with each other" over a world tour involving three of MMA's "biggest names," according to Sanjay Nair of the STRAITS TIMES. Jon Jones, Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre "are expected to be part of the Nike-sponsored Fighters World Tour, which will see the three stars showcase their talents in 11 cities, including Singapore, starting next month." But in a Facebook post, UFC said that the event "was 'false advertising,' and advised fans not to buy tickets as none of the three UFC fighters are involved." The Las Vegas-based company added it spoke directly to the fighters and "none knew of such a seminar." The tour, which is scheduled to start in Paris on May 5 and ends in Manila on June 7, "is sponsored by Nike and promoted in Asia by LAMC Productions, Ch'i Life Studio Asia and Rockstar Touring." Nike's head office in the U.S. "is expected to respond in the coming days to UFC's allegations" (STRAITS TIMES, 4/27).