It’s encouraging to see spirits brands being welcomed as sponsors of mainstream sports. Since early 2009, Tequila Cazadores has been the Official Spirit Sponsor of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC. Part of that sponsorship includes the “Tequila Cazadores Spirit Award”, which is given out on a monthly basis “to the UFC fighter who best exemplifies social responsibility, commitment to the MMA art form, or good sportsmanship” according to the spirits company.

UFC fans decide the winner by voting online, with the most recent recipient of the award being UFC bantamweight Miguel Angel Torres. Tequila Cazadores VP & Brand Managing Director Fannie Young says, “Miguel’s work-ethic in and out of the Octagon are an inspiration to us at Tequila Cazadores. Miguel’s dedication to his craft and strong, competitive spirit make him the perfect recipient of this award.  We are proud to honor such a talented fighter who embodies the core values of our brand.” Tequila Cazadores donates $1,000 to a charity of each winner’s choosing, with Mr. Torres supporting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Past recipients of the Tequila Cazadores Spirit Award include:

• Forrest Griffin – May 23, 2009
• Rich Franklin – June 15, 2009
• Randy Couture – July 13, 2009
• Kenny Florian  – Aug. 7, 2009
• Nate Marquardt – Aug. 28, 2009
• Tito Ortiz – Sept. 19, 2009
• Brandon Vera – Oct. 23, 2009
• Cain Velasquez – Nov. 20, 2009
• Frank Mir – Dec. 11, 2009
• Brian Stann – Feb. 5, 2010
• Brian Stann (culmination award) – March 25, 2010
• Diego Sanchez – May 27, 2010
• Kurt Pellegrino – July 1, 2010
• Clay Guida – Aug. 4, 2010
• Kenny Florian – Aug. 28, 2010
• Matt Serra – Sept. 25, 2010
• Brendan Schaub – Oct. 21, 2010
• Tim Boetsch – November 20, 2010

I’ve found myself in many an argument over whether or not soda or water qualify as fine beverages (I say yes), but the argument is taken to a whole new level when you consider that UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida slurps down for breakfast…HIS OWN URINE.

According to Machida in Brazilian fight magazine TATAME:

“My father does that for a long time and bring it to us. People think it’s a joke (laughs). I never said it in the United States because I don’t know how the fans will react (laughs). I drink my urine every morning like a natural medicine.”

Yes! At 15-0-0 and still UFC Light Heavyweight Champion of the world, Machida clearly knows what he is doing. As your attorney I suggest you try this at home and see what comes of it. I predict gag reflex and funky breath…though becoming one of the top fighters in the world has also been reported…

“That’s a Coors Light, because Bud Light won’t pay me nothing.”

Those are the words of Brock Lesnar after he knocked Frank Mir into another dimension at UFC 100 on Saturday night. So why call out Bud Light? Cause they won’t pay you, for whatever it is you think they should pay you for. Lesnar’s reasoning? “I was so jacked up (because) I’m used to selling pay-per-view tickets”, according to USA Today.

Mickey’s it is now taking it into the Octagon by utilizing one of the fastest growing sports in the world to promote its fine malt liquor, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Some of MMA’s top performers are featured on cans of this wicked brew. This week BJ Penn, one of the best MMA athletes in the world, will adorn the 24oz cans of Mickey’s. Now it’s my mission to find the Georges St. Pierre collector can, kick ass GSP.