Terrance McKinney called on ‘The Rock’ to help fighters get a fair share of UFC’s partnership with the celebrity shoe brand.
The UFC recently partnered up with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson for a shoe deal of his Project Rock line. Johnson made the announcement on his social media, presenting it as a beneficial addition for the athletes on the roster. However, the arrangement faced heat from the community after reports surfaced that fighters would receive no compensation from it.
‘The Rock’ partnered with the UFC for a shoe deal
On Aug. 30, Johnson posted a promotional video featuring multiple reigning UFC champions and fighters, who heaped praises on the quality of the shoe and expressed their appreciation for the partnership.
“Our @UFC @ProjectRock partnership is anchored in hard work & legacy. Work ethic & legacy are the pillars of all @UFC athletes. The #HardestWorkersInTheRoom defining their LEGACY. @ProjectRock is proud to be the official footwear partner of UFC. #ForThoseWhoWalkTheWalk,” wrote Johnson in the announcement.
Our @UFC ✖️ @ProjectRock partnership is anchored in hard work & legacy.
Work ethic & legacy are the pillars of all @UFC athletes.
The #HardestWorkersInTheRoom defining their LEGACY. @ProjectRock is proud to be the official footwear partner of UFC. #ForThoseWhoWalkTheWalk pic.twitter.com/aSNl0Nwnum
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 30, 2022
Following the promo, Combat Sports Law reported that fighters do not get a share of the revenue from the high-profile deal between the UFC and Under Armor, the parent company of Johnson’s Project Rock collection of shoes and apparel.
As per the deal, the athletes must wear “The Rock’s” shoes during ceremonial weigh-ins and while walking out to the octagon in addition to the Venum uniforms they are already required to wear as part of a separate apparel deal.
Terrance McKinney wants ‘The Rock’ to support fighters in the shoe deal with the UFC
UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney took to his Twitter to reach out and get ‘The Rock’ involved in stepping up for the fighters. While he understood Johnson’s involvement may be limited, McKinney asked him to get in their ‘corner and support’ the athletes.
“Hey brotha @TheRock if you’re a fan of what we do make the deal favorable for the ones modeling your shoe I get it’s not your fault or your business doin it to us but show us the love you think you are. Get in our corner and support us.”
Hey brotha @TheRock if you’re a fan of what we do make the deal favorable for the ones modeling your shoe I get it’s not your fault or your business doin it to us but show us the love you think you are. Get in our corner and support us 🙏🏾
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) September 14, 2022
The UFC does not need to consult or collectively bargain with the fighters for the partnerships. The extended Venum deal, which replaced a similar model used under the Reebok uniform deal before, falls under the Promotional Guideline Compliance program, making it a must for the athletes to follow the policies to get paid on fight week.
