UFC to Sponsor Men’s, Women’s Wrestling Programs for University of Iowa Hawkeyes

“The partnership between Iowa wrestling and UFC is a perfect fit. We both celebrate tough, physical athletes who compete at the highest level." -- Tom Brands@ufc 🤝 #Hawkeyes

➡ https://t.co/QCZFwSc0yG pic.twitter.com/JO8eFGJIEw

— Iowa Hawkeye Wrestling (@Hawks_Wrestling) December 15, 2022

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is getting into the college wrestling business.

According to a press release on Thursday, the promotion has issued its first-ever college sponsorship to the Iowa Hawkeyes. In particular, the UFC will be issuing support and marketing for the wrestling departments of the University of Iowa, which recently created a women’s wrestling program a year ago. The organization will place signs inside the Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa, as well as running content on its radio shows and social media services.

The head coach of the men’s wrestling team, Tom Brands, was thrilled about the arrangement, saying, “The partnership between Iowa wrestling and UFC is a perfect fit. We both celebrate tough, physical athletes who compete at the highest level. There is a bridge between wrestlers and fighters across the two sports. With this agreement, it is even more significant.”

Several UFC competitors and renowned trainers have come up through the University of Iowa wrestling system, mostly notably active competitor Jordan Johnson. Additionally, talents such as Paul Bradley and Royce Alger wrestled as Hawkeyes before plying their trade in the sport of MMA. Steve Mocco, who coaches wrestling at American Top Team, won the 2003 National Championship, and was also a Division I All-American with the University of Iowa in 2002 and 2003.

“We’re proud to support the Iowa Hawkeyes men’s and women’s wrestling programs,” Lawrence Epstein, UFC Chief Operating Officer stated. “Many of the best UFC athletes were skilled and experienced collegiate wrestlers. Wrestling provides an excellent foundation of athleticism, discipline, determination, and respect that is needed to have a successful MMA career. We’re looking forward to seeing the Hawkeyes continue their tradition of excellence and sportsmanship and compete for NCAA championships for many years to come.”