Champion Announces Long-Term Partnership with UFC Heavyweight Tom Aspinall and Launches Signature Collection
Champion is proud to announce a new partnership with UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall, launching with a new campaign and apparel range that redefines the modern fighter. This collaboration further reinforces Champion’s commitment to the world of combat sports.
The partnership kicks off with the launch of Aspinall’s debut capsule: HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION. Developed in close collaboration with Tom, the collection taps into Champion’s 100+ years of sportswear heritage and pays homage to both Tom’s division and champion mindset.
From the invention of the hooded sweatshirt, created to keep athletes warm, to pioneering mesh nylon jerseys for football players, Champion has consistently delivered functional, performance-driven gear rooted in athlete insight. Many of these innovations have transcended sport to become cultural icons.
The capsule blends performance-ready garments with modern, lifestyle-inspired silhouettes, including an iconic Reverse Weave hoodie. Consumers can expect heavyweight fabrics, tonal palettes, and sharp, functional details that are built for movement and made to last. This is Champion’s signature athletic heritage, elevated for a new generation.
With invaluable insights from Tom, Champion is also developing a pioneering line of performance training apparel and equipment which is due to launch later this year.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Champion, a brand with global reach and deep roots in sport,” said Tom Aspinall. “Champion’s values really reflect who I am and what I want to do in MMA. I’ve always said I believe I can transcend the sport into the mainstream. And we’re not just creating gear - we’re making apparel that works for fighters and inspires the next generation.
“This couldn’t come at a better time. This is the year of the true undisputed champion. Someone who stays true to themself, dedicated to the sport, never says no to a fight and connects with the people who matter: the fans,” said Aspinall.
“We’re incredibly excited to announce our long-term partnership with Tom and Team Aspinall. Champion has a proud heritage that stretches back generations, and in Tom, we’ve found not only an elite athlete at the top of his game, but a truly exceptional human being,” said Lorenzo Moretti, Champion EMEA President. “His values, professionalism, and ability to inspire those around him perfectly reflect what Champion stands for. We’ve been thoroughly impressed by Tom and his team from day one, and we look forward to working closely together to shape the future of combat product for Champion — developing next-generation training apparel and equipment informed by the insights of the best athletes in the sport.”
The HEAVYWEIGHT collection features the 00.02.02 timestamp across the range—a nod to the remarkable average duration of Aspinall’s professional fights. A master of efficiency, power, and precision, Tom’s fighting style mirrors Champion’s legacy of excellence in sportwear innovation. The collection is available now on Championstore.com.
About Champion
Since 1919, Champion has offered a full line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women, including activewear, sweats, tees, sports bras, team uniforms, footwear and accessories. Today, as a lifestyle brand born from sport, Champion uses innovative design and state-of-the-art product testing to ensure uncompromised quality and innovative apparel for consumers. Beyond its products, the brand’s mission is to provide every Champion a canvas to live their true purpose; rooted in the belief that Champions are defined not by what they make, but by what they do with it. Champion wants to inspire others to not just win, but to Champion a better tomorrow, and is dedicated to supporting creators by giving them a platform to tell their stories, support their values, and communities.
Learn more at championstore.com.
About Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is the world’s leading owner of sports, lifestyle and entertainment intellectual property. It acquires and owns iconic brands, repositions them for long-term growth and partners with top-tier operators to scale globally, all while delivering bold storytelling and marketing that brings each brand to life.
Authentic owns more than 50 global brands, generating approximately $32 billion in annual systemwide retail sales. These brands have a significant presence in 150 countries, with more than 29,000 freestanding stores and shop-in-shops, as well as 400,000 points of sale worldwide. Authentic’s portfolio of globally recognized brands includes Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Reebok, Champion, Nautica, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Sports Illustrated, Eddie Bauer, Aéropostale, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Quiksilver, Billabong, Sperry, Hunter and Ted Baker. Through its joint venture with Saks Global, Authentic Luxury Group (ALG), it drives growth for luxury and accessible luxury brands, including Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Hervé Léger, Vince, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH.
For more information, visit authentic.com.