Derrick Lewis is the newest member of the UFC to be sponsored by a fast food giant.
After declaring war with Daniel Cormier over 'disrespecting' Popeye's Chicken, 'The Black Beast' received a sponsorship from the Louisiana chicken chain, according to manager Malki Kawa.
Lewis was referencing to the clip of the two-weight champion signing and dancing in a parody to Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass" at the seventh annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards.
Even though athletes are known for their health-conscious regimens, some championship-level fighters such as Georges St-Pierre and Rico Verhoeven can not resist the occasional urges for McDonald's. With that being said, we look at three other notable partnerships between fighter and fast food.
Brock Lesnar - Jimmy John's
Brock Lesnar is one of the special athletes that first carried a fast food sponsorship inside the Octagon. In addition to Lesnar's deal with beef jerky magnate Jack's Links, 'The Beast Incarnate' also promotes sandwich chain Jimmy John's, who began sponsoring the former UFC heavyweight champion in 2010.
When Lesnar returned to the WWE in 2012, clauses were added to his contract which would allow Lesnar to retain his sponsors while working with the promotion, allowing the logos to be on his gear when performing in-ring. At WrestleMania 30, Lesnar's shorts were emblazoned with a Jimmy John's logo when he ended 'The Streak' of The Undertaker.
To this day, Jimmy John's has remained a sponsor of Lesnar.
Anderson Silva and Conor McGregor - Burger King
Two of the greatest strikers to ever grace the Octagon have previously landed sponsorship deals from the home of the 'Whopper.'
Anderson Silva first appeared with the Burger King logo after signing a deal in Brazil ahead of his UFC 134 bout against Yushin Okami. Silva was featured in multiple commercials promoting the Mega BK Stacker.
Silva also reportedly netted $500,000 for wearing the Burger King logo on his fight shorts in his rematch against Chael Sonnen at UFC 148.
Below is the infamous advertisement featuring Silva belting out Minnie Riperton's 'Lovin' You':
In March 2018, it was announced that Burger King had signed Conor McGregor to become brand ambassador for the burger chain.
The company released an advertisement for the Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich featuring "The Notorious" one doing his usual things; getting fired up, trash-talking and riding private jets.
A former opponent in Max Holloway would begin ripping into McGregor for the advertisement.
Overall, the ad was panned by the public, but it seems that McGregor has the last laugh as said in the last line of the video.
Ronda Rousey - Carl's Jr.
With corporations throwing big money for advertising at box office draws, there is no question that Ronda Rousey would be one of the recipients of a sponsorship opportunity.
The person who revolutionized women's mixed martial arts was the newest representative for Carl's Jr.
The announcement of the signing was on the heels of backlash toward the fast-food chain for provocative commercials using sexual-based concepts promoting the restaurant featuring Paris Hilton, Charlotte McKinney, Kate Upton and Sara Jean Underwood. Rousey would be the changing-of-the-guard for Carl's Jr. in transitioning from racy commercials.
See the commercial below:
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