UFC® and Smith+Nephew announce multi-year extension of partnership

Core Insights - Smith+Nephew has extended its partnership with UFC, continuing as the Preferred Sports Medicine Technology Partner, which was initially established in 2024 [1][2] - The partnership aims to enhance health and safety in combat sports through Smith+Nephew's advanced medical technologies [4] - A significant aspect of the collaboration includes educational initiatives, such as the Smith+Nephew UFC Combat Sports Medicine Course, which focuses on treating injuries in combat sports athletes [4][6] Company Overview - Smith+Nephew is a global medical technology company specializing in the repair, regeneration, and replacement of soft and hard tissue, with a mission to restore patients' bodies and self-belief [10][11] - The company operates in approximately 100 countries and reported annual sales of $5.8 billion in 2024 [11] - Smith+Nephew's product portfolio includes advanced technologies for minimally invasive surgeries, particularly in sports medicine [8] Partnership Details - The renewed partnership allows Smith+Nephew to integrate UFC athletes into its marketing efforts, enhancing brand visibility [7] - Notable UFC athletes, such as Tom Aspinall and Dustin Poirier, have served as brand ambassadors, showcasing the effectiveness of Smith+Nephew's technologies in their recovery [7] - The partnership also emphasizes injury prevention, repair, and recovery, aligning with Smith+Nephew's focus on improving patient outcomes [4][8] Educational Initiatives - The first Smith+Nephew UFC Combat Sports Medicine Course was chaired by Dr. Michael Banffy and featured renowned medical experts discussing injury treatment trends [4][5] - A second iteration of the course is scheduled for February 18-20, 2026, in Las Vegas, providing further educational opportunities for sports medicine surgeons [6] Industry Context - The partnership between Smith+Nephew and UFC is seen as a positive development for the combat sports community, fostering discussions on health advancements [4] - UFC, as a leading mixed martial arts organization, boasts over 700 million fans and produces more than 40 live events annually, providing a vast platform for Smith+Nephew's marketing efforts [12]