The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has joined forces with Betclic, a prominent French online gambling and sports betting operator, to establish an official partnership in France, Poland, and Portugal. This collaboration follows the recent legalization of the sport in France, where UFC successfully campaigned for the lifting of a 15-year ban. With Betclic as the presenting partner for the upcoming UFC Fight Night Paris on September 2, this marks a significant milestone for the French operator, as it becomes the first global organization to partner with the UFC.
Expanding into New Markets:
The legalization of UFC in France has opened doors for the sport’s expansion and attracted widespread attention. The successful inaugural UFC event in France last September, featuring a highly anticipated bout between Frenchman Ciryl Gane and Tai Tuivasa, quickly sold out. Now, with the partnership between UFC and Betclic, both organizations are poised to make a substantial impact in these newly accessible markets.
UFC’s Focus on France:
Recognizing the significance of the French market, Nicholas Smith, UFC Vice President Global Partnerships, emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful partnerships with local organizations. By collaborating with Betclic, UFC aims to enhance the online gambling experience for fans and introduce exciting activations during the upcoming UFC Fight Night Paris. This event will showcase a heavyweight showdown between hometown hero Ciryl Gane and Moldovan fighter Serghei ‘Polar Bear’ Spivac, further captivating the audience.
Betclic’s Perspective:
Nicolas Béraud, Managing Director of Betclic, expresses delight in becoming UFC’s first partner in their main markets—France, Portugal, and Poland. Betclic’s core mission is to promote and partner with emerging sports while elevating fans’ passion. Through this partnership, Betclic plans to offer an enhanced interactive experience for fans during UFC events and promises exciting surprises for the upcoming UFC Fight Night Paris.
Global Reach and Future Prospects:
France is not the only country to legalize UFC, as Ontario also lifted its ban on UFC betting earlier this year. The partnership with Betclic highlights UFC’s commitment to expanding its global reach and creating strategic alliances in key regions. This collaboration not only benefits UFC and Betclic but also presents new opportunities for fans to engage with the sport and enjoy a more immersive betting experience.
The partnership between UFC and Betclic marks a significant milestone for both organizations as they join forces to capitalize on the legalization of UFC in France, Poland, and Portugal. By collaborating with a prominent online gambling and sports betting operator, UFC aims to enhance the fan experience and introduce exciting activations during the highly anticipated UFC Fight Night Paris. This partnership not only signifies the growing popularity of MMA but also opens doors for further expansion into new markets, solidifying UFC’s position as a global sports phenomenon.