Cryptocurrency betting and gaming operator Stake.com has expanded its partnership with mixed martial arts organization UFC.
Building upon the existing deal between the two parties, in which Stake became UFC’s first-ever official betting partner in Latin America (excluding Brazil) and Asia, the operator will now become UFC’s first official betting partner in the country of Brazil as well.
As a UFC partner, Stake will have a branded presence inside UFC’s Octagon during select PPV and Fight Night events, and it will also be the presenting sponsor of UFC’s regularly scheduled PPV event hosted in Brazil.
The two parties will also work together on a variety of custom and original content across UFC-owned social media channels and digital platforms, as well as collaborate on exclusive promotions and VIP experiences for fans.
Stake.com CEO Mladen Vuckovic commented: “We’re more than pleased to renew our partnership with UFC for 2022, after a huge 2021. Our relationship with UFC is only getting stronger, and we cannot wait to welcome UFC fans from all around the world onto our platform.
“Our current player base relished the partnership, making the most of VIP experiences and exclusive content to bring them an experience with one of the biggest sporting organizations in the world. This is something they cannot find anywhere else.”
An annual brand ambassador fund is also part of the agreement between UFC and Stake that will offer participating UFC athletes significant paid marketing opportunities.
Nick Smith, UFC Vice President of Global Partnerships, added: “Stake.com has been a great partner this past year, and we’re thrilled to continue the relationship. With sports betting becoming more widely accessible, we have added Brazil, a very important emerging gaming market, to a far-reaching collaboration that already included key regions within Latin America and Asia.
“We look forward to working with Stake.com to continue to offer a unique way for fans to experience the action and excitement of UFC through Stake.com’s innovative and emerging gaming platform.”
UFC and Stake will present new and exclusive digital and social content this week ahead of UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker 2, which takes place on February 12 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
UFC middleweight champion and Stake ambassador Israel Adesanya will defend his title against No. 1 contender Robert Whittaker, the man he beat in 2019 to capture the championship.