Over the years, with sheer hard work, Dwayne Johnson has found great financial success. Moreover, in the past few years, he has turned into a businessman and is seen investing in various ventures. The Rock has also started his own venture of workout apparel named Project Rock.
Project Rock is the collection of various workout apparel and accessories. Earlier, this Johnson had made a deal with the UFC to be their exclusive footwear provider. However, there are questions being raised recently over that deal.
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A couple of days ago, Dwayne Johnson shared a motivational video to promote his deal with the UFC. We can find multiple UFC fighters promoting Project Rock footwear, which has instigated an official deal with the company.
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
As per the deal, all the UFC fighters will have to wear the Project Rock footwear on the octagon. However, there has been a dispute among people about the UFC fighters not being paid to wear the footwear of Johnson’s brand.
Some people who are close to the sport replied to the tweet talking about the UFC fighters not being paid to promote the brand. MMA analyst Luke Thomas shed a light about the old Reebok deal. He heavily criticized the MMA promotion in his tweet.
Remember: no real raise from Reebok to Project Rock for the fighters. For all the criticism Reebok got for taking advantage of a market where fighters have no control, seems very odd Project Rock would escape those criticisms for doing exactly the same thing. https://t.co/rbAhQ1GdSl
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) August 30, 2022
Another MMA specialist, Erik Magraken, shared his views on the deal of the UFC with Project Rock. He talked about how much money the UFC is making compared to their fighters.
The shoe deal press release was silent on two key things.
How much the UFC is pocketing. And how much goes to the fighters forced to wear the shoes.
Seems the answer is
1. A shit load
2. Fuck all— Erik Magraken (@erikmagraken) September 1, 2022
One more journalist shared a shocking detail of UFC fighters having to do interviews with DJ’s company and still not getting paid.
Asked around and not only are fighters not going to get paid anything to wear the shoes, the UFC is apparently requiring fighters do interviews with Johnson's media company Seven Bucks.
— John S. Nash (@heynottheface) September 1, 2022
Fans were not thrilled about Dwayne Johnson’s deal with the UFC
Similar to the journalists, the fandom also wasn’t in favor of the deal, after the news of the UFC- Project Rock collaboration broke out.
Read More:- How Stereotypes Almost Got the Better of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
They took it to Twitter to share the disappointment with the Jumanji actor and the UFC for overlooking fighter payments.
Why are you screwing over the #HardestWorkersInTheRoom by forcing them to wear your shoes and not compensating them a damn penny?
Shame on you, Rocky Maivia 😕 https://t.co/YRfrXOp4dV
— MMA Doggess (@MMAGoddess) September 1, 2022
You really pimping these fighters
— dc (@DCprp12) September 1, 2022
Multiple digs came up at the UFC and Johnson for making a deal, which cuts out entire payments of the fighters.
What is $$ is the UFC making and what $$ are the fighters making? I hear the fighters aren't getting anything while UFC making alot? if so then not cool @TheRock that's a big L
— Justin Bleedington (@J_Bleedington) September 1, 2022
The fighters get exactly ZERO dollars from this deal. It’s exploiting independent contractors for their hard work and dedication only to be FORCED to wear your product and get nothing in return.
— B (@brighambgb) September 1, 2022
If only the fighters who put their lives on the line benefited, not just yourself & the UFC becoming richer than at all necessary. You’re not one of the boys any more Dwayne, you’re one of “them” now😞The pie should ALWAYS be sliced #AthletesFirst before feeding the already full.
— Eric Wolaniuk (@ericwolaniuk) August 31, 2022
This fan even brings up Rocky Johnson as an example.
Does it bother you that you are supporting the abuse of "independent contractors". This is something I thought you would have just a shred of empathy for since you know.. Your father was a victim of this exact thing? Guess it's ok when you & your cousins "grabbed that brass ring"
— David Macleod (@Lankydave94) August 30, 2022
Even though this deal is beneficial for Dwayne Johnson and the UFC, the fans are calling out both entities to pay for the fighters to promote Project Rock.
Your sponsorship has multiple requirements of the fighters while not paying them a cent, I'm hearing. You were an athlete, so why are you joining corporate America in exploiting athletes while offering little to, in this case, no returns for their labor? Despicable.
— Val Dewar (Chito Enjoyer) (@the3els) September 1, 2022
Pay the fighters you cheap bastards
— Andrei Ursu (@AndreiU83263489) September 1, 2022
Pay the fighters to wear them
— Lord Gavin Springett 💙 (@gavinspringett) September 1, 2022
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UFC exploits their fighters, you are only making the problem worse, Rock…..
— Robert Joyner (@robnashville) August 30, 2022
Previously, the UFC fighters used to bring out the banners of sponsors, who provided them direct compensation, but it’s not allowed anymore. However, it seems the UFC continues to make millions while the fighters would have to wear merchandise and not get paid.
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What are your thoughts on this deal? Share your opinions below.
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