Affliction is an American fashion brand characterized by a dark, distressed aesthetic featuring intricate graphic illustrations of skulls, wings, and gothic motifs. It represents a fusion of rock and roll culture, tattoo artistry, and the aggressive ethos of mixed martial arts subcultures.
History
Founded in 2005 by Courtney Dubar, Todd Beard, Eric Foss, and Clifton Chason, Affliction gained prominence through its close association with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The brand utilized heavy washes and elaborate screen-printing techniques to define a specific mid-2000s masculine style. It briefly operated its own MMA promotion, Affliction Entertainment, before returning to apparel. Its historical significance lies in bridging the gap between sports merchandising and premium lifestyle fashion during the MMA mainstream expansion.