The Sponsors Are a Good Place to Start

• Do you have a favorite fighter, or are you a huge fan of a sponsor supporting mixed martial arts (MMA)? If so, you'll want to draw like-minded people to ask you about what you have on.
  
  If you know a lot about and really enjoy watching a particular fighter, wear something showing your allegiance. Other fans of that fighter will want to chat when they see that you are a fan, too.
  
  By far the most artistic and elaborate sponsor clothing out there is made by Affliction. This company is so serious about MMA they had a brief foray as promoters of the sport, providing some of the largest paychecks in cage fighting history. Though their head-to-head battle with the UFC cost them being blacklisted for a while, now they have an understanding with the UFC's owners and are welcome in the octagon once again.
  
  TapOut is no longer just a sponsor of the UFC. It's officially owned by the UFC, and the reason you see so many TapOut T-shirts at MMA events is because it's a company that has been around since the start of the UFC. Wear a TapOut T-shirt, and you tell people you are a fan of the sport of MMA or are possibly a fighter yourself. The clothing line is always adapting and creating new and interesting logos and products. They have everything from TapOut water to a TapOut TV show. It's cliche to come to a fight in TapOut apparel, but at the same time, it's never going out of style. So, while you may not be wholly unique wearing TapOut gear, you'll look like a real fan.
  
  The number of clothing companies involved with MMA and other combat sports is exponentially increasing. Chances are you can find something unique in your area that only a limited amount of fans would have. Established and marketed companies selling clothing online and at shows range from ADX to Xtreme Couture and sometimes feature wacky line names like "Jesus Didn't Tap." Go out on a limb and find something unique if you want to stand out.
  
  

What Fighters Wear

• Fighters who participate in MMA wear fight shorts and possibly shin pads, depending on what the particular league allows. MMA shorts are typically made of material impervious to moisture and sweat, and they are designed for the wrestling, grappling, and stand up movement of an MMA fight. Tights and other leg wear might also pass muster in some leagues, but most fighters go with shorts. There is a growing list of fight short manufacturers.
  
  With the pay for MMA fights not yet matching up to what most boxers make per fight, sponsorship is how many fighters make ends meet. Fight shorts have become a canvas for a fighter to place all their sponsor logos, nicknames, slogans and other personal stylings. Some popular brands of fight shorts include Sprawl and TapOut.
  
  Male fighters go shirtless, and female fighters wear a tank top or something similar. All fighters must be barefoot in most professional and amateur competitions that are considered sanctioned MMA bouts.
  
  

Don't Be Too Arrogant

• It's probably not a great idea to wear a shirt that says "I Will End You" around a few thousand people who might actually be able to beat you up on any given day. Remember that MMA fans often participate in the sport on some level themselves. Unless you're a black belt in drunken brawling, you may want to be careful what kind of attitude you display around folks who know what to do if they get in a fight. This is not to say going to an MMA event increases your likelihood of getting in a fight. It's just a bad place to go if you're the type who likes to pick fights.
  
  MMA fans are actually very cordial and inviting. Although the popularity of the sport is growing fast, it is not yet fully developed. Transitioning from casual fan to not being able to get enough usually begins with an already-immersed fan answering any questions you might have. It's important to many fans to remove the negative stigma mixed martial arts carries in some circles and show people it's a safe, civilized and acceptable sport and not a sideshow act. The most inaccurate stereotype of fight fans is that they are all violent people. Just because you like to watch fights and may even fight yourself does not make you a belligerent person.
  
  If you really can't come up with anything really cool to wear, go to the venue early with some money and buy some fresh gear. You'll be helping the sport and supporting the industry, especially if the company you buy from sponsors fighters.