Mixed martial arts are a fighting sport, performed in a cage where opponents square off utilizing numerous styles and fighting techniques. Starting in the early 90s and gaining momentum the primary event where mixed martial arts masters squared off was known as the Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC. The aggressive fighting style and constant action helped make mixed martial arts and consequently The Ultimate Fighting Championship one of the most popular forms of fighting sports today producing fans around the world.
The fast paced rise to the top of the fighting game meant there was plenty of untapped potential for apparel in an aggressive market where fans of the sport were clamoring for lines of clothing and accessories to show their allegiance and support of the art. Two men, Charles Lewis Jr (known to many as “Mask”) and Dan “Punkass” Caldwell worked together to pounce on this market as fans of the sport themselves. The Tapout brand came to be in 1997 grossing approximately 30,000 in sales in 1999. In just ten years the company would work hard and explode with success taking in over $200 million in sales by 2009.
The company’s product line ranges far and wide, selling a huge selection of stylish tshirts as well as other items like hoodies, headwear, and accessories. They have also expanded their product line creating a plethora of items for women, infants and toddlers. In addition to that they also sell equipment for MMA fighting such as shorts for the ring and mouth guards. The company is sponsored by internet legend fighter Kimbo Slice and has subsequently designed an entire line of clothing and accessories around him. Tapout has also use Playboy star Kathy Shower as model for several shows and other events.