MMA Budo

Here is what Jamie Pennick had to regarding Georges St. Pierre’s impact on the UFC ability to break out into the mainstream. (http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_3766.shtml)

Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre continues to be a breakout face to the mainstream for the sport of mixed martial arts. After securing an endorsement deal with monster sports endorser Gatorade earlier this year, GSP has now added a deal with athletic apparel company Under Armour.

Joining the likes of the NFL’s Ray Lewis and Brandon Jacobs, along with athletes in other major sports, as a face of the massive brand. St. Pierre will be the face of an upcoming underwear line for the company, and is expected to be heavily featured in their ads for the upcoming holiday season.

St. Pierre’s looks and athleticism have put him in this spot to bring a major league sponsor to someone involved with MMA, and this could be a step toward bringing in more high end sports sponsors such as Nike and Adidas.

Penick’s Analysis: GSP’s mainstream star continues to branch out and rise, even as he’s recovering from injury. His return in the late winter/early spring of 2010 will be a major deal, not only to hardcore fans, but to casual fans as well. If his push in this Under Armour campaign is a large one, that could bring in a high number of viewers for his next bout as well. This is a great thing for not only GSP, but the sport as a whole, as he will be seen as a completely legitimate athlete and will be a great ambassador to the mainstream for the sport.

Will the momentum keep up for Georges St. Pierre  in the UFC? Only time will tell.