Tapout got it’s start with three guys selling t-shirts out of the back of a car at local MMA events, they’ve since went on to become the largest MMA clothing and lifestyle company in the world. They were recently sold to Authentic Brands Group, a branding company based in New York, along with two other popular MMA brands, Hitman Fight Gear and Silverstar Clothing. Authentic Brands Group announced their purchase of the three clothing makers via a press release on Monday. Hitman Fight Gear was included with the Tapout deal as it is believed to have been owned by Tapout.

ABG claims “to acquire, manage and build long-term value in prominent consumer brands,” says their website. The purchase of three large MMA oriented clothing brands is a great way for them to break into the fast growing Mixed Martial Arts niche.

“These are some of the most exciting brands I’ve seen in years. The popularity of mixed martial arts and the UFC is soaring around the world. The last time I saw a sport with this much potential was 20 years ago with snowboarding.”

Says ABG Chairman and CEO, Jamie Salter, who also acquired popular brands Linens ‘n Things Inc. and Polaroid Corp. at his previous position as CEO of Hilco Consumer Capital company. With the growth and popularity of MMA and MMA clothing, Salter said, “We strategically chose these acquisitions as our first big move because we’re getting into the right business at the right time. We’re looking forward to working with the best brands and the best athletes in the world as we transition these two companies into global lifestyle brands with our retail and licensing partners.”

Tapout’s co-founder Dan “Punkass” Caldwell as well as Tim “Skyskrape” Katz will stay on with Tapout. Punkass as company president and Skyscrape as marketing/creative director. Luke Burrett who founded Silverstar is said to also stay on with ABG and will now be working with his former competitors from Tapout. This is just another sign at how mainstream MMA and the MMA lifestyle has become in recent years. We’re sure to see Tapout, Hitman, and Silverstar clothing and gear in even more retail stores.

[Source: Bloomberg News]

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