The Gun Store's Chris Irwin Expresses His Disappointment with the UFC and Fox

Although nothing is official, it's widely known that the UFC is ending its relationship with sponsors dealing with ammo, guns, knives, or hunting, as reported by MMACorner.com here.

Most MMA fans recognize the need for the change, even though they disagree with the notion. But there are still a great deal of fans who believe the UFC is "selling out" in order to appease Fox.

Other than fighters, the other party hurt most by this move is The Gun Store. Owner, Chris Irwin has recently come out to express his disappointment with Fox forcing the UFC's hand.

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"I don't think for a second this has anything to do with the UFC office," Irwin said. "I've talked to Dana White before. He was incredibly cordial with me. I know a lot of people over there, and I'm just very well-received over there. We have a good working relationship, and I think this is just something where the UFC's hands are tied due to the network." (MMAJunkie.com)

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Indeed, The Gun Store has become a staple on many fighters' banners and shorts for quite some time. The sponsorship money may not be on the same level, but The Gun Store is one of the more synonymous sponsors with the UFC along with Harley Davidson and Bud Light.

As for why the change is coming, Irwin credits it to some narrow-minded individuals and their association with guns.

"There's people out there that are still in charge that have very limited views in their thinking as in, 'Ooh, guns are violent. Guns are bad,'" Irwin said. "These are fighters. They're not playing chess."(MMAJunkie.com)

Looking over the Internet, I'm more inclined to side with Irwin and the fans who believe there's really no need to change. When you look at the programming that goes on Fox, the majority of programs attempt to stretch the boundaries of broadcast television.

While it may say "Gun Store," the actual establishment is a beaming example of weapon safety. They allow customers to come in and shoot weapons in a contained environment and offer weapon safety courses.

Dana White countered fans and fighter complaints about the ban by taking to The UG.

"As we go international, a lot of these other countries will not allow it on TV," White stated. "There are quite a few issues with it. Fun while it lasted." (MMAJunkie.com)

The fun may be gone, but Irwin isn't letting the ban stop him from helping out MMA fighters in other promotions.

"..the ones I can help out, I'm going to help out, especially the local ones here in Vegas that I know personally. But it really is the fighters that are suffering, and it's kind of unfortunate for them." (MMAJunkie.com)

It's nice to see that at least the fighters who need the sponsorship money the most won't suffer as a result of this ban.