Silver Star x Melvin Guillard UFC Fight Night 19 Walkout Tee
Melvin Guillard gets the Silver Star Casting Company treatment with his “The Young Assassin” walkout tee for his UFC Fight Night 19 fight against Nate Diaz on September 16 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
100% American: A Gogoplata.com Interview with Ranger Up's Nick Palmisciano
Ranger Up began three years ago to produce shirts for military, patriots and anyone in support of the American Armed Forces. Gogoplata.com caught up with former Army Ranger and Ranger Up founder Nick Palmisciano to talk about the company and a couple of his favorite shirts.
Gogoplata.com: How did Ranger Up get started?
Ranger Up: After leaving my last military job at the United States Army Ranger School, I came to Duke University for grad school. I missed military life and volunteered to teach the army’s equivalent of MMA, as well as small unit tactics to the ROTC kids in the area. The guys I taught always complained about the lack of cool military shirts to wear – everything seemed to be an over the top skull graphic with “Death from above” or “Death before dishonor” on it. I started this company as a hobby to give back to the military community. I never expected the reaction that we’ve received.
Gogoplata.com: Why should fans and martial artists pay attention to Ranger Up?
Ranger Up: We support the troops because we are the troops. Almost everyone in our company has served and deployed to combat zones around the world. We’re not sitting here telling you that if you wear our shirts you will be the toughest dude or dudette ever, we’re simply designing apparel that is inspired by military service. Every design has meaning – they aren’t just for aesthetics. We are also very particular about who we sponsor. Our athletes have almost always served in the military or in the police or fire departments and have the highest moral standards. We don’t want people who talk a lot of crap and live from one after party to the next. We support real heroes who respect their opponents and the sport.
Gogoplata.com: Share with us your one favorite product and tell us why it’s your favorite.
Ranger Up: War Eagle is my absolute favorite shirt. It is based on the great seal of the United States, which carries an olive branch for peace and arrows for war. Our eagle carries arrows in each hand, because by the time our troops are deployed or our fighters enter the cage, peace is no longer an option.
Gogoplata.com: What is your best selling item? And why do you think this item is doing especially well?
Ranger Up: Our best selling shirt is Patriots Day. It is an amazing work of art showing the new post 9-11 NYC skyline with the reflection on the water made up of fire fighters, police, and troops. It might be the shirt that I am most proud of, and we’ve received a lot of thanks from a lot of New Yorkers and soldiers for designing it.
Gogoplata.com: What are your inspirations for the products and designs you produce?
Ranger Up: Everything we do is designed with our troops, police, and firemen in mind. Every design is based on their history and founded in their culture. If you don’t support those groups, we really don’t want you wearing our stuff. There’s no job harder than wearing the uniform and walking through the wire into the unknown, leaving friends and family far behind and putting your life on the line. That’s what we are about and what we support and what our products reflect.
For more on Ranger Up, visit www.rangerup.com.
Empowering Women Worldwide: A Gogoplata.com Interview with Fight Chix's Elisabeth Nuesser
Born as a voice for women’s MMA fans and fighters, Fight Chix has become the undisputed leader in women’s MMA clothing. CageShirts.com chats with Fight Chix founder and CEO Elisabeth Nuesser about her clothing line.
Gogoplata.com: How did Fight Chix get started?
Elisabeth Nuesser: I was watching the male dominated sport of mixed martial arts and came to the realization that I loved the sport. I was overwhelmed by the passion and dedication of the athletes. The timeless effort for little money. Like the early days of other major professional sports these athletes have full time jobs and train whenever and whereever they have a chance. I quickly engulfed myself in research and discovered there are many female fighters struggling harder than the men and a woman fanbase that is as large as the male fanbase. I also realized the woman’s voice was not being heard or if it was we weren’t being represented like we should be.
I went to my husband Jacob, who is a graphic designer and more importantly a huge fight junkie, and brainstormed on different ways to empower the woman’s voice. After several late night discussions I decided a clothing line would be the best way to have female fighters and female fans feel empowered. A few days later we came up with the name and a logo. A week later a website. I was so proud to because we had created something that was a small voice for female athletes and female fans of MMA with the dream of it becoming millions of womens voices being heard.
Today Fight Chix has transcended just mixed martial arts and has become a lifestyle brand for all the women in the world that have overcome struggles to reach their potential. Fight Chix is for the women who will be the future leaders of the world. Fight Chix is for women who are not afraid of a challenge and meet it head on. Fight Chix is Sexy. Fight Chix is Strong. Fight Chix is Empowering Women Worldwide.
Gogoplata.com: Why should fans and martial artists pay attention to Fight Chix?
Nuesser: Fight Chix is the ONLY brand out there that is focused on the females. All the other brands have something for women, but they feel more like after thoughts then the focus. The ladies want to have something to call their own. We are for women by women.
Gogoplata.com: Share with us your one favorite product and tell us why it’s your favorite.
Nuesser: The track jacket! I love the longer length and its form fitting. It is super comfortable and makes you feel slimmer. I basically live in mine and plenty of people who have bought one tell me the exact same thing!
Gogoplata.com: What is your best selling item?
Nuesser: The “I Break Hearts and Faces” shirt has always done really well for us. I think girls get a kick out of the attitude Fight Chix brings and it is spelled out in that shirt. Everything in the After Hours collection does really well, because the items have a much different design look compared to what is on the market now. The quality is also very high!
Gogoplata.com: What are your inspirations for the products and designs you produce?
Nuesser: Our real inspiration is to empower women. We want the people who wear our clothes to feel strong, sexy and confident and we are so honored when we get testimonials telling us that is exactly how they feel!
For more on Fight Chix, visit www.fightchix.com.
Believe in the Power of One: Evan Tanner, 1971-2008
It’s hard to imagine that one year ago marked the passing of former UFC middleweight champion Evan Tanner. Tanner was a beloved fighter for his journey from studying martial arts through video tapes in his own home to winning a world title in the UFC, and later in his life a subject of wide discussion for his painfully honest self-reflections in his personal blogs.
“Believe in yourself. Believe in your own potential for greatness. Believe that you can change the world. It is something that is within each of us.” – Evan Tanner
Scott Blair, commissioned by Driving Force Sports and Ninja Star, last year illustrated the incredible tribute above in memory of Tanner. Tanner memorial shirts with profits going to his family are available here.
TapouT x Dan Henderson UFC 100 Walkout T-Shirt
Previously available only in men’s black, Clinch Gear has released replica shirts of Dan Henderson’s UFC 100 walkout tee in white and for ladies. The Team Quest master walked out to this TapouT Black Label shirt at UFC 100 on July 11, 2009 in Las Vegas. The distressed US flag graphic was pulled from the Team US shorts on The Ultimate Fighter 9. On the sides of the shirt are “Give Me Liberty” and “or Give Me Death” in script.
Get the shirt wit your choice of sponsors printed on, or without. More pictures after the jump…
Dan Henderson UFC 100 Walkout Tee (Without Sponsors)
Silver Star x Urijah Faber Monogram T-Shirt
Silver Star Casting Company has released a second shirt for former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber. This one is the appropriately titled Monogram 100% cotton tee featuring a symbol with Faber’s initials.
Faber’s first Silver Shirt had a patriotic theme coming in white only and featuring a red, white and blue Silver Star logo and bald eagle, and gold highlights of Faber’s “The California Kid” nickname. It was released during his rematch with Mike Brown at WEC 41.
Shock Doctor Gel Nano Mouthguard
The Shock Doctor Power Gel DNA Nano is a great mouthguard at an affordable price. It fits tight so you don’t have to worry about it falling out and it’s not bulky and uncomfortable.
The special components of the Gel Nano mouthguard are the Gel-Fit Liner and the Monocoque Shock Frame.
The Gel-Fit Liner takes an exact impression of the teeth, providing a tight, comfortable fit. Gel-Fit material is external or internal, single or multilayer combinations of gel that conforms to the teeth to create a secure fit, increasing retention and the protection provided by all the components of the mouthguard.
The Monocoque Shock Frame provides a stable foundation that helps shield teeth and protects the jaw against injury: vertical wall extensions on the frame help limit lateral jaw movement caused by side impacts. The protective channel also contatins the flow of the moldable gel layer for a close, integrated fit around the teeth.
There’s a tether strap included that you can use to pick up the mouthguard from boiling water when you’re molding the piece to your liking.
For non-custom mouthguards, the Shock Doctor Gel Nano Mouthguard comes highly recommended.
This sleek guard comes in blue, grey, red and orange. Pictures of the mouthpiece in blue after the jump…
(more…)
American Fighter Flip Flops
These American Fighter flip flops are made of a soft eva footbed and contoured toe post for comfort. Proceeds from the sales of these flip flops go towards the Disable American Veterans and Real American Fighters programs.
Sneak Peak: RVCA x Vitor Belfort T-Shirt
RVCA sent over this photo of Vitor Belfort modeling his upcoming RVCA signature t-shirt.
Belfort’s next fight is against Rich Franklin at UFC 103 on September 19, 2009 in Dallas, Texas.
Sneak Peak: Cage Fighter Urijah Faber & BJ Penn Replay Figurines
The folks at Cage Fighter are entering the MMA toy market with its upcoming “Replay Figurines” set. Here’s a sneak peak at the figurines for the first two releases, Urijah Faber and BJ Penn.
MMAWarehouse iGrapple T-Shirt
MMAWarehouse brings you the iGrapple t-shirt for the Mac addicts out there who also like to hit the mats. The 100% fine jersey cotton t-shirt has an image of a silhouette wrestler wearing the trademark white iPod headphones next to the parody logo. The iGrapple shirt costs $19.99 and comes in either slate or teal.
Jaco x Brandon Vera The Truth Collection
Brandon Vera will sport this 100% cotton Coat of arms of the Philippines tee from Jaco Clothing at “UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira” on August 29, 2009 in Portland, Oregon.
Jaco Clothing recently signed sponsorship deals with Vera, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Eddie Sanchez, bringing them into Team Jaco’s roster of mixed martial arts fighters. Jaco created the Filipino-themed shirt and Resurgence Fight Shorts (sold exclusively at MMAWarehouse) for Brandon Vera’s The Truth Collection.
Vera takes on Krzysztof Soszynski in a light-heavyweight bout at UFC 102.
Silver Star x Thiago Silva UFC 102 Walkout T-Shirt
Brazilian slugger Thiago Silva will wear his signature shirt by Silver Star Casting Company on his way to the Octagon for his fight vs. Keith Jardine at “UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira” on August 29, 2009 in Portland. For UFC 102, Silver Star made shirts for Silva and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
“The Thiago Silva UFC 102 Walkout Tee features a mongram TS set in a Star over Golden Rays. Machine washable. 100% cotton. Gold Foil Highlights.” – Silver Star
Fathead x BJ Penn Fathead Jr.
BJ Penn is a Fathead! The reigning UFC lightweight champion is the first mixed martial arts fighter to join Fathead’s star-studded roster that includes the biggest athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR and more.
Fathead makes high definition graphics of athletes and entertainers that attach on walls as decoration. It’s basically a giant sticker that you can move around from wall to wall without damaging the surfaces.
Fatheads are normally life-sized, but Penn’s is a Fathead Jr., which are produced at a smaller “space friendly” size. Penn’s Fathead Jr. comes with additional Fatheads: the logos for MMA Elite, Cage Fighter, Fathead, BJPenn.com and BJ Penn’s signature. Urijah Faber and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will have Fatheads in the future.
Fathead BJ Penn – Fathead Jr. ($49.99)
Manto Luchadores Hoodie
For the times when you want to live out a fantasy of being a Mexican pro wrestler in everyday life, Shinya Aoki’s sponsor Manto has a hoodie that zips all the way to the top of the front hood, resembling a luchador mask.
Luchadores is the term for pro wrestlers in Lucha Libre, which translates to “free fighting” in Spanish.
The “Luchadores” hoodie, available in black or white, is part of the 2008 Manto Collection.
Bad Boy Pro Series Mouthguard Carry Case
When the majority of people at the gym have a Shock Doctor mouthguard case (it’s the case sold in most general sports stores), someone mistakenly putting his or her mouthpiece in the wrong case is bound to happen from time to time. So that’s why it might be a good idea to have a different looking case.
Bad Boy sells a basic mouthpiece with a carry case ($4.99) that comes in your choice of red or black. The case has the Bad Boy eyes logo with “Bad Boy Pro Series” underneath. I’d just pick up the case and use it for your custom guard or Shock Doctor mouthguard and hold onto the included basic Bad Boy one as a spare.
Mouthguard cases really aren’t anything special, but it sure beats using a ziplock bag.
JAKKS Pacific x Royce Gracie UFC Action Figure
Royce Gracie is a UFC legend, so when time came for the UFC’s first action figure deal it’s no surprise that Gracie was included in the first set.
Each UFC figure has 29 points of articulation, meaning you can actually play with them. Gracie is part of wave zero of the series and new waves of at least eight figures are expected to go out every other month. His figure is the only one so far with a gi instead of shorts.
Series zero includes Royce Gracie, Brock Lesnar, Frank Mir, Rashad Evans, Keith Jardine, Houston Alexander, Miguel Torres and Kendall Grove. Series one has Chuck Liddell, Anderson Silva, Forrest Griffin, Michael Bisping, Kevin Randleman, Evan Tanner, Mike Swick and Cheick Kongo.
Official Zuffa x PRIDE FC T-Shirts
The UFC has set up an official store for PRIDE coinciding with the announcement that Spike TV will begin airing “The Best of PRIDE Fighting Championships” on Sunday, January 11, 2010 at 11 p.m. ET.
For more options, the UFC has also licensed the PRIDE brand to Junk Food Clothing for vintage-styled t-shirts.
Zuffa x PRIDE FC T-Shirts
The UFC has set up an official store for PRIDE coinciding with the announcement that Spike TV will begin airing “The Best of PRIDE Fighting Championships” on Sunday, January 11, 2010 at 11 p.m. ET.
For more options, the UFC has also licensed the PRIDE brand to Junk Food Clothing for vintage-styled t-shirts.
TapouT x Wolfslair MMA Academy Premium Tee
TapouT has created a premium tee for the Wolfslair Academy based in Widnes, United Kingdom, where UFC fighters Michael Bisping and Paul Kelly call home and where former UFC 205-lb. champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson travels to all the way from Irvine, Calif. to set up training camp for his fights.
The front of the shirt features the Wolfslair logo across the neck and an image of a wolf blending through the UK flag. On the back is a white TapouT logo.
Silver Star x Anderson Silva UFC 101 Walkout Tee
UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva debuted his second Silver Star signature tee, the “Spider Silva 2,” during his walk to the Octagon on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2009 at “UFC 101: Declaration” in Philadelphia. In only his second 205-lb. appearance, Silva knocked out former champion Forrest Griffin in just 3:23 of the opening round.
Silva’s first Silver Star shirt was the “Anderson ‘Spider’ Silva Premium Tee” worn at UFC 97 against Thales Leites. Both shirts are available at MMAWarehouse.
(IRVINE, CA) – UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson “The Spider” Silva will walk out in his new signature tee by Silver Star Casting Company, as he battles former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Forrest Griffin in UFC 101, August 8th at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA.
Ranked as the world’s number one middleweight fighter, Anderson “The Spider” Silva (24-4-0) is also widely considered the top pound-for-pound in the world. Silva wore a signature Silver Star walkout tee during UFC 97 where he successfully defended his title for the ninth consecutive time against Thales Leites. Silver Star is showing support for Silva once again with a new signature tee for his walkout as he takes on Forrest Griffin (16-5-0) in UFC 101.
Silva is an amazing athlete with the longest winning streak in the UFC,” said Silver Star Casting Company owner, Luke Burrett. “ Silver Star backed him at UFC 97 and he won, and we are in his corner again for UFC 101 and wanted to produce a shirt commemorating the event.”
The Anderson “The Spider” Silva signature walkout tee for UFC 101 available online, July 31st at: www.buysilverstar.com
Silver Star Casting Co. is street-wear’s triple threat: the label dominates in fight and action sports, it is worn by tattooed punk rockers, and embodies the lowrider street culture of the wild West Coast. Silver Star is a full-collection of men and women’s sportswear, apparel and accessories that is not intended for the faint of heart. Silver Star can be found in over 4000 stores worldwide and online at www.buysilverstar.com
Cage Fighter Retro Philadelphia Tee
As worn by UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn at the UFC 101 pre-fight press conference is the Cage Fighter Retro Philadelphia 100% cotton t-shirt featuring the Cage Fighter logo with “Philadelphia” below the logo on the front and the Liberty Bell on the back.
MMA Authentics makes a collection of Cage Fighter shirts for specific cities, states and countries in a variety of colors, and this light blue shirt is for the debut of the UFC in Philly.
UFC 101: Declaration Poster
Decorate your wall with the official poster for the UFC’s debut in the City of Brotherly Love, “UFC 101: Declaration” at the Wachovia Center, which featured co-main events BJ Penn vs. Kenny Florian and Forrest Griffin vs. Anderson Silva.
UFC 101 Results | Post-Fight Presser Video
Affliction x Gegard Mousasi Signature T-Shirts
Former Dream middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi (25-2-1) has his own Signature Series from Affliction Clothing. The M-1 fighter was supposed to fight Renato “Babalu” Sobral (35-8) at Affliction “Trilogy” on Aug. 1 but unfortunately the show was canceled. Luckily, the fight found a new home with Strikeforce on Aug. 15 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. The good thing for Mousasi is that the fight will now be for Sobral’s light-heavyweight belt instead of just bragging rights.
Gegard Mousasi Signature Series #A1467
Gegard Mousasi Signature Series #A1233
Video: Gegard Mousasi trains with famed boxing coach Freddie Roach
