MMA Star Todd Duffee Leads Born Stronger™ Fight Team with the Fastest Knockout in UFC History

IRVINE, Calif.-(Business Wire)-September 4, 2009 - MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter Todd Duffee, in his UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) debut, knocked out favorite Tim Hague in just seven seconds — taking him into the record books with the fastest KO in UFC history. Duffee joins the ranks of other champions on Irvine-based apparel company’s growing fight team including WEC World Champion Jamie Varner and Rani Yahya.

Signed to Born Stronger just a month before his record breaking fight, Todd Duffee is a relative newcomer to the world of MMA, the fastest growing sport in the United States. “We saw the potential in Duffee and took a chance by sponsoring a relatively unknown fighter,” said “Dr. Dream” Dhillon, Born Stronger CEO. “Our goal is to support not only the proven top fighters of the sport, but also those who aspire to achieve their dreams, overcome obstacles and achieve their potential,” said Dhillon. “Todd Duffee embodies what makes MMA so exciting.”

Todd Duffee, a member of American Top Team out of Miami, Florida, jumped into his UFC 102 match with an undefeated record of 4-0-0. “Born Stronger recognized my talent and took a chance,” said Duffee, the UFC record holder for the fastest KO in history. “I really like what Born Stronger stands for, their motto and the people behind the company,” continued Duffee. “I embody that in a person.”

“As a sport, MMA has turned the corner,” said Dhillon. “It is no longer a fringe sport. Mixed Martial Arts is now mainstream. We believe it’s the ultimate sport for the ultimate athletes,” continued Dhillon. “Born Stronger embodies the spirt that we are defined by the obstacles we face and how we overcome them. Everyone is Born Stronger. With passion, drive and commitment, anyone can overcome — and become a champion and achieve their own goals — whether in MMA or in their personal lives,” says Dhillon. “We work with fighters who embody that spirit and we support them on their journey to overcome and achieve their goals.”

Duffee was slated to debut a new signature series of fight-wear from Born Stronger, but shipping delays prevented him from walking to the cage in the new gear. “I really wanted to wear the new Born Stronger gear. We were waiting for UPS or FedEX to show, but then I was called into the ring,” explained Duffee. “Perhaps I was so charged up about getting that package, I had to take care of Hague quickly so I could chase down the UPS truck,” joked Duffee in an interview after his fight.

Duffee joins what is perhaps the hottest fight team in MMA today including WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner and another newcomer who has turned heads with three consecutive WEC wins, Rani Yahya.

Born Stronger is the fastest growing MMA sportswear brand in the world. With innovative designs, leading edge fabrics and materials, Born Stronger designs gear that looks good in the cage and better on the street. Born Stronger sponsors fighters that embody the spirit of the brand — everyone is Born Stronger and with passion, training and commitment anyone can overcome obstacles and succeed. Based in Irvine, California Born Stronger is part of c7 Brands.

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