Round 5 MMA & JAKKS Pacific Join Forces

by Robert Sargent

Already the leaders in the industry, Round 5 MMA and JAKKS Pacific have signed a sub-licensing agreement to share access to the top fighters in mixed martial arts in order to develop the largest line of collectible figurines and accessories.

The agreement will allow both companies to manufacture, market and distribute MMA action figures and related products for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a leading toymaker in the United States and the master toy licensee for the UFC. Round 5 Corporation, based in Markham, Ontario, Canada, has quickly established itself as the worldwide leader in MMA collectible figurines. Together, the companies now share a much larger talent pool, as both now have access to many of the sport's biggest names.

Among those mentioned in the deal are Randy "The Natural" Couture, Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski, Matt Hughes, Jake Shields, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, Forrest Griffin, Brock Lesnar and "The Prodigy" BJ Penn. Other top fighters will also be involved in future projects.

"This is truly a match made in heaven and we are excited to enter into this agreement with Round 5," said Jeremy Padawer, the Senior Vice President of Boys Entertainment Marketing, JAKKS Pacific. "As the master toy licensee for the UFC, JAKKS can now offer MMA fans an entire world of action figures, accessories and other collectibles encompassing the most notable fighters in the fight world. The synergy between JAKKS and Round 5 will ensure cohesive and comprehensive merchandise offering at retail that will benefit all parties involved, including JAKKS, Round 5 and the UFC, as well as the MMA fighters themselves and, most importantly, MMA fans."

The newest line of UFC toys and collectibles from JAKKS is expected to be released this Fall. Plans for releases that include the newly-acquired talent are currently set for early 2010. In addition to a complete line of collectible action figures, the new agreement will include releases of Octagon playsets, accessories and role-playing toys that are based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Pride Fighting Championships (PRIDE) and World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC).

"We want to provide fans with the most complete and authentic line of UFC products," said UFC President Dana White. "This agreement with JAKKS Pacific and Round 5 brings the biggest players in the MMA action figure world together. Now our fans will have access to the best and most diverse line of action figures."

"We are thrilled to partner with JAKKS and the UFC, and we are confident that our teamwork will produce a more comprehensive product offering for MMA fans," said Round 5 MMA President Damon Lau. "In addition, JAKKS and Round 5 will facilitate marketing and distribution efficiencies at retail to increase exposure of our core product offerings. We are very excited to expand our line of 6" display collectible figurines and 10" display collectible statues with more of the biggest names in MMA."


The agreement, which had been in the works for months, will provide MMA fans with the most comprehensive line of mixed martial arts toys, figurines and accessories available on the market today.