Previously almost antagonistic, the fashion market makes room for fighters

Entrepreneur Diego Arnold, CEO of AMC Models recalls the case of Maurício Shogun, who left the catwalks due to his career in MMA

MMA legend Maurício Shogun hung up his gloves after his last fight, held last January at UFC Rio. One of the most popular fighters of his generation, the Curitiba native was Pride GP and UFC champion.

What few people know is that before shining in the rings, Shogun divided himself between the mats and the catwalk. This is because, in the late 1990s, when he was still starting his career as a fighter, he supported himself by being a photographic model.

And that’s how it went for a few years, until a moment came when he had to choose to only walk the catwalks or abandon them to dedicate himself exclusively to his career as a professional fighter.

For businessman Diego Arnold, CEO of AMC Models, at that time, it was difficult for a model to have a fighter’s physique, in addition to the possibility of arriving for work with bruises on his face.

“Perhaps, if he wanted to break into the modeling profession, he wouldn’t be able to, because at that time brands demanded a different type of appearance”, points out the businessman.

According to Arnold, if it were today, Maurício Shogun might not need to give up his modeling career, since the fashion world is more plural and with more and more space for all types of bodies. It is worth remembering that fighters like Luke Rockhold and Alan Jouban have worked for big fashion brands in the recent past.

“The technological revolution of this century has altered many markets. Today, brands value his presence on social networks, as it would boost the number of followers and potential consumers of their services. A transformation in the sector. Certainly, Shogun, which maintains its own style , would be one of the most sought-after advertisements on the market”, concluded the businessman.