Michael Chandler and Kristopher DeSoto Credit: Hiatus Tequila
Michael Chandler invests in Hiatus Tequila, excited to work with a team that “does it the right way”
UFC superstar Michael Chandler is adding another business venture to his resume. This week, it was announced that Chandler would be partnering with and investing in Hiatus Tequila, as the partnership officially launches and Hiatus believes they will “redefine what a celebrity partnership can look like in the spirts industry” according to a press release.
Speaking about the partnership in an interview with MyMMANews.com, Michael Chandler discussed why he joined Hiatus Tequila and why it was important for him to get into business with Hiatus, because he believes they do things the right way.
“I wanted to do it the way I felt the right way, which was to be investing in one that I actually believe in, people that were going to do it the right way, and had been doing it the right way. Our founder Kris DeSoto has been doing it the right way for the last couple years. It’s been awesome thus far, I feel like we can finally talk about it, it’s been a secret behind-the-scenes for months and months, and it feels like forever. We’re going to hit the ground running in typical Michael Chandler fashion, we don’t do anything halfway, we ain’t stopping until every has tried Haitus.”
As he awaits the next fight in his UFC career which is widely presumed to be against former champion and fellow superstar Conor McGregor, Chandler has taken his time off from competition to be involved with more things outside of fighting. Having more time to spend with his family, he also stressed the importance for athletes continuing to build business ventures while still active in their career.
“I’ve always been under the thought process that even though fighting is what I do, it’s not who I be. It’s not the full essence of who I am. Now when you watch that cage door close and you watch the way that I fight, you guys are like ‘ok, this guy was built for this, he has a passion for it, he’s got that extra little bit of screw loose that enables him to do what he does. Outside of fighting, I enjoy good business with good people. I really, really enjoy people who are passionate about what they do.
Finding everything he was looking for in a business, Michael Chandler and Hiatus Tequila are a perfect match who understand great tequila, a passion for what they do, and an incredible work ethic.
Watch the full interview with Chandler here:
Here is the full press release from Hiatus Tequila and coming together with Michael Chandler:
Hiatus Tequila (www.hiatustequila.com), an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila is announcing its first brand partnership. They are thrilled to have American Mixed Martial Artist, Michael Chandler join the team. The collaboration seeks to boost recognition of both the fighter and the brand, in the octagon and on the rocks.
As the brand approaches its 5-year anniversary, Kristopher DeSoto, Founder of Hiatus Tequila, is excited to announce this partnership with Michael Chandler which they believe will redefine what a celebrity partnership can look like in the spirits industry. Together, they aim to change the narrative by emphasizing authenticity, cultural respect, and uncompromised quality.
Chandler’s career success as an American Mixed Martial Artist stems from hard work and dedication over the past 15 years. DeSoto’s passion for clean, authentic, 100% agave azul tequila echoes these same values and is rooted in his extensive travels throughout Mexico where he lived for nearly 8 years.
“Hiatus Tequila partnered with Michael Chandler because Hiatus’ brand values are reflected in Michael’s personal and professional life; authenticity, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of perfection”, said Desoto. “We’re excited for the opportunity to connect to his audience and to introduce our brand to MMA-loving, tequila fans whom we’ve not yet encountered in our relatively short existence. Bringing an authentic spirit crafted with passion and integrity to Michael’s fan base is of great significance for both of us.”
Chandler, currently #5 in the UFC Lightweight rankings, a three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion, and a Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament winner, isn’t merely endorsing Hiatus; he’s invested in the brand because of the commitment to crafting tequila the traditional way – with a deep respect for the culture, hard work, and dedication to authenticity and quality.
“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.
Hiatus’s three expressions of premium tequilas are produced with a third-generation, award-winning tequila family at La Cofradía (NOM 1137), located just outside of the town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico. Throughout its portfolio of ultra-premium tequilas, Hiatus stays true to the heritage of how tequila was intended to be; agave forward, naturally clean yet complex, ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, or shining in a cocktail. “La Cofradía” in Spanish translates to “Brotherhood”, something which Kristopher DeSoto, and Michael Chandler have established organically through the relentless pursuit of unparalleled excellence within both of their crafts.
“My personal hiatus is my passion for crafting authentic tequila, the way it was intended to be,” said DeSoto. “This partnership with Michael Chandler is a genuine brotherhood. Hard-working individuals joining forces to bring awareness, education, and respect for tequila culture. 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.”
The partnership looks forward to sharing Hiatus Tequila within new and existing markets while encouraging the importance of taking a hiatus from the norm and pursuing passions just as DeSoto and Chandler have done. The duo will be in-market bringing liquid to lips, eager to meet tequila enthusiasts. They will be actively participating in samplings and bottle signings, appearances, giveaways, and meet-and-greets. This partnership marks a significant, bold move for Hiatus Tequila as it looks to expand its reach and appeal to a broader audience. Chandler’s notoriety will introduce the brand to MMA fans and tequila enthusiasts alike.
“Everyone asks me how I got to where I am in my career; there is no true silver bullet other than my values of hard work and dedication,” said Chandler. “With this partnership, my core values will ring true. I am not just an MMA fighter but a true businessman. I look forward to helping Hiatus Tequila grow by getting out into the market, meeting the fans, and educating them on what I believe is the best tequila on the planet.”
Hiatus Tequila is available at various hospitality venues and retailers with a suggested retail price of $49.99 for the Blanco, $59.99 for Reposado, and $69.99 for Añejo per 750ml size, 40% alc./vol., across markets including, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, California and with Nevada and Tennessee coming soon! The product is for purchase online and ships to 44 states: https://shophiatustequila.com/
Watch the partnership video here: https://youtu.be/FozX97pRrbU
