‘Genuine Brotherhood’: UFC Lightweight Michael Chandler Jabs Tequila Industry With Latest Investment

(Photo: Nicholas Savander/Hiatus Tequila)

Three-time MMA champion Michael Chandler is diversifying his portfolio beyond the octagon with an investment in Hiatus Tequila.

The brand — produced at La Cofradía distillery in Jalisco, Mexico — was brought to market by founder Kristopher DeSoto in 2018. With a celebrity investor under its belt, Hiatus aims for heightened awareness in the ever-crowded U.S. tequila market.

(Photo: Hiatus Tequila)

“My love for tequila runs deep. I’ve always enjoyed spending free time with friends and family while sipping tequila. I wanted to create my own brand, but once I discovered Hiatus and learned about their commitment to quality, purity, and authenticity, which is what drew me to tequila in the first place, partnering with them was a no-brainer for me,” said Chandler in a press release.

Though Conan McGregor is perhaps the most famous UFC fighter with a spirits brand (Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey), he certainly isn’t the only one in the game. Dustin Poirier forayed into the bourbon industry in early 2022, followed by Aljamain Sterling’s Funk Harbor Jamaican Rum this past summer. At the end of August, Canelo Álvarez threw his hat into the ring with VMC, a tequila seltzer brand paying homage to Mexico.

“This partnership with Michael Chandler is a genuine brotherhood. Hard-working individuals joining forces to bring awareness, education, and respect for tequila culture,” said founder Kristopher DeSoto.

“This is not simply a business partnership, but rather a comprehensive movement in which we hope to elevate the narrative surrounding celebrity collaboration. We are two visionaries driven by a profound respect for the heritage of tequila, with the goal of leaving behind a legacy defined by authenticity, integrity, and honesty in all that we do.”

Hiatus produces a Blanco, Reposado and Añejo expression, priced at $53.99, $59.99 and $76.99 respectively.

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