Champion has signed UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall to a new partnership, which includes launching a campaign and an apparel collection featuring the fighter. In a media release, the company stated, “This collaboration further reinforces Champion’s commitment to the world of combat sports.”
The partnership kicks off with the launch of Aspinall’s debut capsule, titled “Heavyweight Champion,” developed collaboratively, which taps into Columbia’s 100-plus-year history of sportswear heritage.
Champion has consistently delivered functional, performance-driven gear rooted in athlete insight since 1919. Many of these innovations have transcended sport to become cultural icons, including the hooded sweatshirt and mesh nylon jersey for football players.
The Heavyweight Champion capsule collection blends performance garments with lifestyle-inspired silhouettes, including a Reverse Weave hoodie. Heavyweight fabrics, tonal palettes, and functional detailing were combined for full-range of movement and durability. The apparel also features the 00.02.02 timestamp across the range, a nod to the average duration of Aspinall’s professional fights.
With Aspinall’s insights, Champion is also developing a line of performance training apparel and equipment, which is due to launch later this year.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Champion, a brand with global reach and deep roots in sport,” said Aspinall. “Champion’s values reflect who I am and what I want to do in MMA. I’ve always said I believe I can transcend the sport into the mainstream. And we’re not just creating gear; we’re making apparel that works for fighters and inspires the next generation.
“This couldn’t come at a better time; this is the year of the true undisputed champion. Someone who stays true to themself, dedicated to the sport, never says no to a fight and connects with the people who matter: the fans,” continued Aspinall.
“We’re incredibly excited to announce our long-term partnership with Tom and Team Aspinall. Champion has a proud heritage that stretches back generations, and, in Tom, we’ve found not only an elite athlete at the top of his game but a truly exceptional human being,” said Lorenzo Moretti, Champion EMEA president. “His values, professionalism and ability to inspire those around him perfectly reflect what Champion stands for. We’ve been thoroughly impressed by Tom and his team from day one, and we look forward to working closely together to shape the future of combat product for Champion — developing next-generation training apparel and equipment informed by the insights of the best athletes in the sport.”
Images courtesy Champion
