Holly Holm has signed an endorsment deal with Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, a supplement maker. Not just any supplement maker, though. USA Today explains:
“Holm recently agreed to a two-year deal with Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, company owner Jared Wheat told USA TODAY Sports. In a new ad, Holm is pictured next to five bottled Hi-Tech products, three of which are advertised as containing DMAA, a stimulant the FDA said in 2013 poses potentially serious health risks. It is also on the list of substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). UFC’s independent administrator of its doping protocol is the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), which adheres to WADA rules and regulations.”
Funny enough, this is not the first time Holm has promoted a banned product. During her fight with Ronda Rousey, she was promoting Intel Pharma, who sold products on WADA’s banned list. You might be asking yourself why she is able to get away with this. The UFC on the situation:
“Holm and all other independent-contractor athletes at UFC events are free to accept endorsements and sponsorships from supplement or other companies that don’t conflict with their contractual obligations at UFC events”
We’ll see how this all shakes out, but my guess is after becoming champion there are proably sweeter deals out there with less baggage for the UFC Champ.