TapouT
Encyclopedia
Tapout is an American business enterprise specializing in producing clothing and miscellaneous gear targeted at mixed martial arts fans who are generally males age 13–27 as well as a magazine devoted to mixed martial arts fighting (formerly Bodyguard magazine).
(also known as "Mask") and Dan Caldwell (also known as "Punkass") founded the Tapout company in 1997 in San Bernardino, California
. The company is currently based in Toronto, Canada. From a gross of $30,000 in 1999, Tapout's earnings rose to nearly $200 million in 2009 alone. The company has a worldwide network of licensed retailers, including Dillard's
, Champs
and Spencer Gifts.
In 2007, Tapout launched a reality television
series, also called Tapout
, on Versus
. Each episode follows Mask, Punkass and their third partner, Tim "SkySkrape" Katz, as they scout fighters to add to their sponsorship roster.
Tapout signed "Internet legend" Kimbo Slice
to a sponsorship deal in 2008. Tapout will be creating an exclusive Kimbo clothing line.
Playboy Playmate Kathy Shower
has worked as a model for the clothing company.
The company was recently acquired by Authentic Brands Group.
History
Charles Lewis, Jr.Charles Lewis, Jr.
Charles Lewis, Jr. was an American businessman, promoter and entertainer. Known by his nickname "Mask", Lewis founded the TapouT clothing line in 1997, which eventually became a multi-million dollar clothing company....
(also known as "Mask") and Dan Caldwell (also known as "Punkass") founded the Tapout company in 1997 in San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino is a city located in the Riverside-San Bernardino metropolitan area , and serves as the county seat of San Bernardino County, California, United States...
. The company is currently based in Toronto, Canada. From a gross of $30,000 in 1999, Tapout's earnings rose to nearly $200 million in 2009 alone. The company has a worldwide network of licensed retailers, including Dillard's
Dillard's
Dillard's, Inc. is a department store chain in the United States, with 330 stores in 29 states. Headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, Dillard's locations are concentrated in Texas and Florida; with a major presence in other states including Arizona, Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri,...
, Champs
Champs Sports
Champs Sports, is the second-largest component retailer in the Foot Locker family of stores. Champs offers for sale footwear, apparel and sporting goods. The company sponsors the Champs Sports Bowl college football game...
and Spencer Gifts.
In 2007, Tapout launched a reality television
Reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
series, also called Tapout
TapouT (TV series)
TapouT is an American reality television series that focuses on the world of mixed martial arts. The series premiered on Versus on June 3, 2007 before moving to its regular Wednesday night timeslot beginning June 6...
, on Versus
Versus (TV channel)
Versus is a sports-oriented cable television channel in the United States. It was previously known as Outdoor Life Network and was launched on July 1, 1995, focusing on fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports...
. Each episode follows Mask, Punkass and their third partner, Tim "SkySkrape" Katz, as they scout fighters to add to their sponsorship roster.
Tapout signed "Internet legend" Kimbo Slice
Kimbo Slice
Kevin Ferguson , better known as Kimbo Slice, is a Bahamian-American boxer, mixed martial artist and occasional actor...
to a sponsorship deal in 2008. Tapout will be creating an exclusive Kimbo clothing line.
Playboy Playmate Kathy Shower
Kathy Shower
Kathleen Ann Shower is an American model and actress. Known as Kathy Shower she is Playboy's Playmate of the Month for May 1985 and Playmate of the Year for 1986....
has worked as a model for the clothing company.
The company was recently acquired by Authentic Brands Group.