In a world were MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is taking TV audiences by storm thanks to shows like the UFC's hit reality show The Ultimate Fighter, this amazing sport has found itself on the rise despite being around far longer than most people realize. While there have been some attempts at MMA merchandise in Japan which featured some of PRIDE's old talent, there is an utter lack of merchandise here in North America until now.
Shirts, DVD's and now there's even a first attempt at figures. While each of the 4 fighters featured in Round5's new figure line is an accomplished UFC veteran, you'll notice that these aren't UFC licensed figures. Not that it matters, it will probably help keep the cost down even if it won't get retailers noticing them as quick.
Here's a look at Series 1, which is set to hit soon at Spencers here in the US and in Canada you'll be seeing them at Spencers as well as TRU. While they sport sculpts from Dave Cortes, a former McFarlane Toys talent, they're not much like McFarlane product. They're far more akin to what we saw overseas, but with a bit more realism in those stylized badasses of the octagon.
Here's the release straight from the guys at Round 5
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS LEGENDS COMING TO A TREE NEAR YOU!
Round 5 releases the first official MMA collectible figures for Christmas ‘07.
Markham, Ontario, November 2, 2007 - Round 5 announces the release of the first official MMA collectible figures coming this holiday season. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has rapidly become one of the largest markets in professional sports. In response to this growth, Round 5 has just released the first official line of collectibles. In-house viral marketing initiatives have shown enormous anticipation surrounding the release. The collectibles are set to launch in over 1000 different stores this holiday season, including Spencer's and Toys "R" Us Canada. They will also be available internationally online.
"This first series showcases the most exciting championship fighters to date, in their most well known poses," said Barron Lau, Marketing Director of Round 5. He continues to explain, "Series 1: Champions, will include fan favourites; Quinton ‘Rampage' Jackson, Tito ‘The Huntington Beach Bad Boy' Ortiz, Matt Hughes, and Randy ‘The Natural' Couture. We are honoured to be releasing these collectibles at a time when the sport has achieved so much success." Each collectible figure is expertly sculpted, pose-able and select characters even include accessories such as Quinton ‘Rampage' Jackson's signature chain.
Interest in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts has grown dramatically over the past several years, surpassing both boxing and professional wrestling in popularity and Pay-Per-View sales in some areas of the world, to currently become one of the fastest growing sports around. Spike TV's General Manager, Kevin Kay, sums up the impact, "The ratings are further proof that the tide in American sports is changing. Young men (ages 18-49), prefer the incredible action and athleticism of MMA to more traditional sports."
"Due to the mainstream rise in popularity of professional MMA, the response from ourwebsite has been tremendous. These collectibles will be the hottest sellers for the upcoming Christmas season." said Damon Lau, CEO of Round 5.
The collectible figures are sculpted by famous McFarlane artist and owner of INU Art design studio, David Cortes. He is best known for sculpting comic-related and mainstream characters like Hellboy, Spawn, and the Incredible Hulk. Cortes takes great pride in the level of detail and likeness captured in the 6" tall caricature-style figures.
About Round 5
Round 5 is the MMA industry's fastest growing worldwide collectible figure company. Committed to developing intricately detailed figures, Round 5 strives to remain true to the sport of MMA and its personalities. Headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Round 5 sells manufacturers product and distributes through retail locations and its official online store found at http://www.round5mma.com/ Additional information can be found at the website.
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