Round 5 MMA Announces UFC Series 1

by Robert Sargent

Following their landmark deal with JAKKS Pacific earlier this year, Round 5 MMA has revealed the lineup for their first series of UFC figurines, which includes UFC champions Georges "Rush" St. Pierre and Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida.

Also included in the six-fighter series are Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, "Sugar" Rashad Evans, Kenny "Ken-Flo" Florian and Clay "The Carpenter" Guida.

The deal with JAKKS allowed Round 5 access to a number of UFC fighters whom they were previously unable to work with, and their debut UFC series features many of the top talents from the promotion.

The figurines will be presented in a new UFC-themed packaging and will include action photos from each fighter's career and a short biography. They will be released at retail and through Round5MMA.com early next year.

"These six athletes provide a strong, varied base for our first UFC series," said Round 5 President Damon Lau. "There are established champions like Chuck Liddell and George St. Pierre, popular up-and-comers like Rashad Evans and Kenny Florian and guys like Clay Guida and Lyoto Machida who have loyal, growing followings."

"We think fans will really connect to these collectibles through their detail and the enhanced packaging," said Round 5 CEO Barron Lau. "We want them to feel that, by owning a Round 5 figurine, they, in a sense, own a piece of that fighter."

The issuance of UFC Series 1 signals the discontinuation of the previous Round 5 Series. The remaining inventory from the 17 figurines issued in the previous four Series under that brand will continue to be available while supplies last. Limited editions and other special versions of the UFC Series 1 athletes are also in the planning stages.

"The Limited Editions we have issued have been wildly popular, so we are definitely looking at expanding those offerings," added Barron.

A photo of the six figurines that will be included in the UFC Series 1 release can be found below.

(Photo Credit - Round5MMA.com)