Strengthening Ties: Smith+Nephew and UFC®'s Partnership
Smith+Nephew Continues as UFC’s Premier Sports Medicine Partner
Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), a leading global medical technology innovator, has officially announced the continuation of its successful partnership with UFC, the world's foremost mixed martial arts organization. This multi-year deal solidifies Smith+Nephew’s position as UFC’s Preferred Sports Medicine Technology Partner, a title the company earned as the first entity in this category.
This partnership renewal enables Smith+Nephew to actively showcase its brand during some of UFC's most significant events, allowing the company to engage with a vast audience while promoting athlete safety and health.
Robby Miller, Vice President of U.S. Global Partnerships at TKO, expressed excitement about the ongoing collaboration. “This partnership's growth signals a positive impact on the world of combat sports. Our joint efforts have fostered vital discussions within sports about health and safety advancements made possible through Smith+Nephew’s innovative technology,” he elaborated. “We are committed to enhancing safety for both athletes and fans.”
Innovative Training for Combat Sports
Scott Schaffner, President of Global Sports Medicine at Smith+Nephew, echoed these sentiments, stating: “We're excited to extend our collaboration with UFC as their Preferred Sports Medicine Technology Partner, focusing on injury prevention, repair, and recovery. The international reach of UFC provides an incredible platform for us to present our innovative Sports Medicine solutions aimed at assisting individuals dealing with activity-related injuries.”
A cornerstone of the initial agreement was the inaugural medical education course jointly hosted by Smith+Nephew and UFC, targeting treatment protocols for injuries affecting combat sport athletes. This groundbreaking course, chaired by Dr. Michael Banffy from the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute, gathered leading medical professionals to share insights on contemporary trends and techniques for addressing injuries common in this high-impact sport.
The event featured distinguished guest speakers, including UFC Hall of Famer and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck ‘The Iceman’ Liddell, and Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway, former UFC Featherweight Champion and current UFC BMF Champion. Their presence highlighted the partnership's commitment to bringing education and enhanced care to the forefront of combat sports.
Upcoming Courses and Opportunities
For those who could not attend, Smith+Nephew is excited to announce the next Smith+Nephew UFC Combat Sports Medicine Course, scheduled for the following year in Las Vegas, which promises to be another excellent opportunity for sports medicine surgeons.
Another unique aspect of this partnership allows for the integration of UFC athletes into Smith+Nephew’s marketing initiatives. Prominent UFC figures represent the brand, reinforcing the message of effective recovery. For instance, UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall served as a brand ambassador in 2024, followed by fan favorite Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier in 2025. Both athletes have personally benefited from Smith+Nephew’s advanced treatments, which have facilitated their recovery processes.
Advancements in Sports Medicine Technology
Smith+Nephew is at the forefront of developing advanced sports medicine technologies. The company provides top-tier Sports Medicine solutions encompassing advanced instruments and implants that empower surgeons to execute minimally invasive surgeries for soft tissue injuries and degenerative conditions affecting vital joints, such as the shoulder, knee, and hip. Recent breakthroughs include innovations like the REGENETEN Bioinductive Implant, which excels in rotator-cuff repairs, and the CARTIHEAL AGILI-C Cartilage Repair Implant, revolutionizing the standards for soft tissue repairs and significantly enhancing patient outcomes.
- ends -
Media Inquiries
For further inquiries, please contact Dave Snyder at +1 (978) 749-1440.
For additional insights about Smith+Nephew, connect through their official channels.
About Smith+Nephew
Smith+Nephew is a premier medical technology entity specializing in the repair, regeneration, and replacement of both soft and hard tissue. The company’s mission, encapsulated in the slogan ‘Life Unlimited,’ aligns with their commitment to restoring individuals' bodies along with enhancing their self-belief through innovative technologies that facilitate healing.
Founded in Hull, UK, over a century ago, Smith+Nephew continues to drive advancements across its three main business units: Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT, and Advanced Wound Management. With a robust workforce of 17,000 employees, the company generated $5.8 billion in sales, demonstrating its significant global presence.
About UFC®
UFC® stands as the leading organization in mixed martial arts (MMA), boasting over 700 million fans and a robust social media following. With an extensive schedule of over 40 live events annually, UFC showcases the world’s premier MMA athletes from over 75 countries, distributing content to more than 950 million households worldwide. Connected through its digital platform UFC FIGHT PASS®, UFC remains a critical player in combat sports entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Smith+Nephew and UFC partnership entail?
The partnership focuses on Smith+Nephew being the Preferred Sports Medicine Technology Partner for UFC, promoting athlete safety and advancing medical technologies.
What advancements has Smith+Nephew made?
Smith+Nephew has introduced innovative solutions such as the REGENETEN Bioinductive Implant and CARTIHEAL AGILI-C, transforming soft tissue repair practices.
Where will the next Combat Sports Medicine Course be held?
The next course is set for Las Vegas, providing further educational opportunities for sports medicine surgeons.
Who are some of the athlete ambassadors?
UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall and Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier have served as brand ambassadors for Smith+Nephew.
How does Smith+Nephew contribute to athlete recovery?
Smith+Nephew offers advanced treatments and technologies that facilitate quicker recovery from sports-related injuries, supporting athletes' return to competition.
