Anderson Silva Stays Loyal to Nike, Refuses to Wear Reebok

The MMA legend has until July to change his mind.

image via Jayne Kamin-Oncea for USA Today Sports

by Brandon Richard

Last month, the UFC announced a partnership that makes Reebok the promotion's official outfitter. Starting in July, fighters will no longer be allowed to wear non-Reebok logos on their fight gear at UFC events. Good luck explaining that to MMA legend Anderson Silva, who has no plans to ditch his usual Nike attire moving forward.

In an interview with Terra.com.br, Silva reinforced his stance on not switching brands, saying that he has no connection to Reebok.

"I don't like this idea. When you use a brand, it has to be passed something true, it has to exist a connection," said Silva. "I have no identity with Reebok. I have always used Nike, even before our sponsor deal. I'm not stop wearing because the contract ended. There is no point making me use something with no relation with me."

Despite the fact that his official pact with Nike recently came to an end, Silva says he still prefers wearing the brand's clothing because he always has.

"I'm not wearing because there is no truth to this. I can't pass to my fans something that is a lie. I have always ordered my uniforms to be made and I'll may still wear them. I have not signed a new contract with Nike after the end of my last deal, but I use a brand because I've always did. Not only me but all my family, we just wear Nike or Adidas."

That last bit may seem a little random, but it was reported last fall that Silva attempted to work out an endorsement deal with Reebok parent company adidas prior to the UFC deal.

After suffering back-to-back losses and a broken leg in his last outing, Silva returns to the Octagon against Nick Diaz tomorrow night. The logos won't be an issue this time, but they will be by Silva's next fight.

 

H/T Bloody Elbow