The cutting-edge clothing line, TapouT, has officially been named the first-ever exclusive apparel sponsor for “The Ultimate Fighter,” Spike TV’s longest running and most successful original series. The first six seasons of “The Ultimate Fighter” on Spike TV were seen by 101.1 million viewers (36% of the U.S. population).*

TapouT will receive exclusive apparel integration throughout all 12 episodes of season seven, which premieres on Wednesday, April 2 at 10:00pm ET/PT. The deal also includes signage in the ring and on the walls in the Ultimate Fighting Championship Training Center, where much of the show is taped. TapouT commercials will also run throughout the season of the “The Ultimate Fighter” and in 13 episodes of “UFC Unleashed,” a highly-rated weekly series featuring the most thrilling matches in UFC history.

Founder and creator of TapouT, Mask stated, “Hey, we’re just an extension of MMA. Hopefully TapouT adds a little fun, hope and excitement. Spike TV and “The Ultimate Fighter” have done so much for the sport that it’s an honor to be involved.”

Season seven of “The Ultimate Fighter” will feature current UFC light-heavyweight champion, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and “The Ultimate Fighter” season one victor and light-heavyweight contender, Forrest Griffin as coaches. During the six-week taping of “The Ultimate Fighter,” the sixteen men endure a grueling regimen of jiu-jitsu, judo, muay thai, karate, boxing and wrestling. The intense competition between the fighters continues after they leave the gym and head for the Ultimate Fighter House. These warriors live together, knowing that any day they might be forced to fight each other in the famed UFC Octagonâ„¢.

TapouT is the brainchild of the Crew’s leader, Mask. This decade-old-yet-fresh company operates independently without concern for competition, because they’ve been at the forefront of Mixed Martial Arts since the very beginning, and boast support from several MMA superstars.

TapouT is present at the most extreme events, supporting their fighters and offering everything from their line that reflects the Crew’s iconic status: the hottest, edgiest apparel for guys and girls, an exclusive magazine covering all that is MMA, a cable reality TV series gearing up for a second season and even their own flask-shaped bottled water. Their distinctive logo graces everything from hats, tees and car windows to their special limited edition 2007 Toyota Tundra TapouT truck. The TapouT logo has become so noteworthy that its most devoted fans are tattooing it on their bodies, demonstrating the ultimate in commitment.

Craig Piligian of Pilgrim Films and Television, Frank Fertitta III, Lorenzo Fertitta, Dana White of Zuffa, LLC, and Kevin Kay of Spike TV are executive producers of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Brian J. Diamond, senior vice president, sports & specials, Spike TV is co-executive producer and Christopher Martello is executive in charge of production for Spike TV.