LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - May 18, 2012) - Today, Respect Your Universe, Inc. (RYU) (OTCBB: [ RYUN ]), [ http://www.ryu.com/ ], is pleased to announce that on Saturday, May 19^thJosh Thomson will be representing RYU at Strikeforce as the Co-Main Event of Barnett vs. Cormier. Getting underway at 7:00 p.m. PDT against Gilbert Melendez, Thomson is a former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and holds a 19-4-0 win/loss/draw Martial Arts record.

Thomson, who will be wearing head-to-toe RYU apparel at Strikeforce on Saturday, is an American Mixed Martial Arts fighter currently training with the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). Thomson has also fought in Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships and with the UFC as well as the World Fighting Alliance.

"It is an honor to wear RYU for my third fight against Melendez," said Josh Thomson. "I love the gear and what RYU represents. Thank you RYU for your support."

For the weigh-ins on Friday, Thomson will be wearing the Grey Warrior Hoody and Pants, Black Tanto Compression Shorts and White Universe Beanie. On Saturday night fight, Thomson will be showcasing the Red Wakizashi Performance Shorts by RYU (containing their patent-pending waist closure technology with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) designed specifically to enhance the overall performance of Martial Artists while keeping them comfortable at the same time. The corners will wear the Red RYU Signature T-Shirt and White Signature Cap.

"I have seen Josh train at AKA on several occasions, he is a beast in the gym and is ready for the third match up with Gilbert Melendez," commented RYU Brand Ambassador, Rocky Bice. "Melendez is a great fighter; this will be a battle for sure! I am proud to have RYU representing one of the two warriors."

Inspired by the dedication of the athlete to the one-thousand-year-old sport of Martial Arts, RYU's debut premium performance Men's Spring Line embodies the art of the sport and places emphasis on respect, strength, honor and sustainability as the foundation of their apparel and products. Items now available from the Men's Spring line include compression tops and shorts, fleece pants and hoodies, wind and track jackets, t-shirts and various accessories such as duffle bags and headwear items. In addition to this, RYU also released their performance shorts and training pants designed specifically to enhance the overall performance of Martial Artists while keeping them comfortable at the same time.

All of the RYU apparel items and products have been produced from organic and/or recycled materials utilizing some of the best yarn and fabric suppliers in the world while achieving the performance attributes desired by Martial Arts fighters and the true everyday athlete.

For more information on RYU visit [ http://www.ryu.com ] or call +1-888-455-6183 ext. 101.

About Respect Your Universe
Respect Your Universe, Inc. (OTCBB: [ RYUN ]) is a premium performance apparel and equipment company rooted in and inspired by Mixed Martial Arts. Focused on the needs of the athlete, RYU brings innovative design, development and production of premium authentic performance gear with style to mixed martial artists and athlete enthusiasts worldwide. The RYU brand is based on respect, strength, honor and sustainability.

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Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect," "is expected," "anticipates" or "does not anticipate," "plans," "hopes," "estimates," "projects" or "intends," or stating that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, our branding and endorsement initiatives, the results of our athlete spokespersons, the actual results of sales and designs of our apparel, the MMA industry and market, the apparel industry and market, the availability of capital to fund our business plan and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, and product manufacturing and sourcing. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release.