TapouT is an American reality television series that focuses on the world of mixed martial arts. The series premiered on Versus on June 3, 2007 before moving to its regular Wednesday night timeslot beginning June 6. The series follows "Mask" (real name Charles Lewis, Jr.[1]), "Punkass" (real name Dan Caldwell[1]) and "SkySkrape" (real name Tim Katz[1]), of the TapouT clothing and gear line, as they travel around the country in search of promising MMA fighters to develop and possibly sponsor. Each episode follows the training and development of one fighter, culminating in a fight at a professional MMA event.
As the series progressed the focus broadened to encompass not just the scouting of new talent but also the efforts of the TapouT crew to build their business, including day-to-day operations and the inter-relationships between the crew members and other TapouT employees.
The series is no longer on the Versus schedule. It is unclear whether the series has been canceled or will return at some point.
On March 11, 2009 Charles "Mask" Lewis was killed in an automobile accident in Newport Beach, California. A female companion was ejected from the car and taken for medical treatment but Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of a second car, believed to have been traveling alongside Lewis's car, was arrested on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.[2]
Tapout (Stylized as 'TapouT') is an American business enterprise specializing in producing clothing and miscellaneous gear targeted at mixed martial arts fans who are generally males age 13–27 as well as a magazine devoted to mixed martial arts fighting (formerly Bodyguard magazine).
Charles Lewis, Jr. (also known as "Mask") and Dan Caldwell (also known as "Punkass") founded the Tapout company in 1997 in San Bernardino, California. The company is currently based in Toronto, Canada.[1] From a gross of $30,000 in 1999, Tapout's earnings rose to nearly $200 million in 2009 alone.[2] The company has a worldwide network of licensed retailers, including Dillard's, Champs and Spencer Gifts.[3]
In 2007, Tapout launched a reality television series, also called Tapout, on Versus. Each episode follows Mask, Punkass and their third partner, Tim "SkySkrape" Katz, as they scout fighters to add to their sponsorship roster.
Tapout signed "Internet legend"[4] Kimbo Slice to a sponsorship deal in 2008. Tapout will be creating an exclusive Kimbo clothing line.
Playboy Playmate Kathy Shower has worked as a model for the clothing company.[5]
The company was recently acquired by Authentic Brands Group.[2]
