XYIENCE Signs UFC Athlete Ronda "Rowdy" Rousey as Brand Ambassador

LAS VEGAS, April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- XYIENCE Xenergy, the official energy drink of the UFC^®, has signed a one-year endorsement contract with Ronda Rousey, the UFC women's bantamweight champion. Rousey, 26, is an Olympic bronze medalist in judo and is the first woman in history to hold and defend a UFC title. In endorsing the superior tasting, sugar-free, zero calorie Xyience Xenergy energy drink and Xenergy + beverage lines, Rousey will appear in advertising, on point-of-purchase materials and on the brand's website. She will also make appearances at beverage trade and consumer events.

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"Ronda's excellence in athletic performance is only part of what makes her a huge inspiration to athletes and fans," explains John Lennon, XYIENCE's president. "She is a fearless agent of change within MMA, whose passion for her sport and dedication to achieving her goals embodies the spirit of our brand's philosophy: Power to Win. We are proud to be associated with such a talented and articulate athlete."

Rousey (7-0-0) is a two-time Olympian in judo. She made history in November 2012 when the UFC announced the former Strikeforce bantamweight champion-turned-UFC champion would headline UFC^® 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche on February 23, 2013 in Anaheim, Calif. Rousey defended her title, and since then the California native has shot even further to stardom.

Rousey was named Female Fighter of the Year at the World MMA Awards early this year. She is the No. 1 pound-for-pound female MMA fighter in the world, according to leading industry publications and the Unified Women's MMA Ranking, which is determined monthly by a panel of MMA journalists and is acknowledged as the only official women's ranking in the sport.

She transcends the sport of MMA, having been featured on the cover of ESPN Magazine's Body Issue and in Sports Illustrated, Vogue Magazine, Esquire and the New York Times Magazine. Rousey is most often recognized for her stunning looks, outspoken nature and athletic accolades, which include a string of historic firsts.

At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Rousey took home a bronze medal for Team USA, becoming the first American to medal in women's judo since it became an Olympic sport in 1992. In 2006, she won the bronze medal at the Junior World Championships, making her the first U.S. athlete to win two Junior World medals. At the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, 17-year-old Rousey was the youngest judo competitor at the games.

"The XYIENCE brand has been a huge part of MMA culture for so many years, so it is really exciting for me to be a part of the team," said Rousey. "I feel it is important to be aligned with people and brands who believe in what I am trying to achieve. Because of its long history in the sport, XYIENCE understands the significance of this moment in time for women in MMA. I'm honored to be a part of the XYIENCE brand."

According to Lennon, XYIENCE Xenergy has attracted a large number of female consumers – approximately one-third of its consumer base. "According to research that we conducted in early 2012, females' preferences for Xenergy included its superior flavor and the fact that it is sugar- and calorie-free. Ronda is an excellent spokesperson who will be an integral part of XYIENCE and communicating our brand message to this growing audience."

About XYIENCE (pronounced zy-ince)
Headquartered in Las Vegas, XYIENCE products are designed to support an active and healthy lifestyle. Xenergy (pronounced zen-er-gy) is the official energy drink of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®), and the fastest growing brand in its category. For more information, please visit www.xyience.com. Or connect with XYIENCE on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. 

For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Forte, [email protected], 702.596.9866
XYIENCE Online Media Room: http://bit.ly/gRKe6M

SOURCE XYIENCE Xenergy