UFC: Royal Flush PokerStars partnership kicks off with a bang in Rio de Janeiro
THE UFC's partnership with PokerStars is well and truly off to a flying start.
Last December, it was announced that mixed martial arts' premier promotion had joined forces with the world’s leading poker company.
And a few months removed from the announcement and the launch of the UFC Spin and Go game, the relationship is going from strength-to-strength.
Days before UFC 237 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, PokerStars announced three new ambassadors, all of whom are well known in the MMA world.
Reigning UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, rising light-heavyweight contender Johnny Walker and the veteran voice of the Octagon Bruce Buffer have all been appointed PokerStars ambassadors, a move which has kickstarted the companies’ relationship.
Buffer, an avid Poker player for several decades, is delighted to have been appointed a PokerStars ambassador and foresees a bright and prosperous relationship between them and the UFC.
“This partnership brings together two heavyweights of the entertainment world and, luckily for me, two of my great passions,” said Buffer. “I’ve been a poker player all my life.
“I’m a regular at the tables in my hometown and I remember seeing Moneymaker’s legendary performance back in 2003 right before he became a member of team PokerStars.
“To join him alongside this great line-up of athletes and poker pros is a great honour for me.”
To have such exciting names joining team PokerStars further epitomises our partnership with UFC as we look to bring the thrill of the Octagon closer to our customers
Walker, like Buffer, is happy to have joined the PokerStars team and believes fans of both sports are in for a real treat.
The Brazilian said: “I’m thrilled to represent PokerStars on their journey with the UFC. I love a challenge and any opportunity to sharpen my game.
“PokerStars are the best at what they do. Just like the UFC. It makes sense to bring such world-class acts together to offer more exciting opportunities to fans around the world.”
“To have such exciting names joining team PokerStars further epitomises our partnership with UFC as we look to bring the thrill of the Octagon closer to our customers,” said Christopher Coyne the Chief Marketing Officer of the Stars Interactive Group.
“We are delighted that fans have really celebrated with us through our activity in the build-up to UFC 237 and we can’t wait to bring more new experiences to our fans as we develop our partnership with UFC.
"Expect to see these major stars getting involved in promotions, events, campaigns, content and more.”
Partnering with the UFC will allow PokerStars to reach an entirely new audience and continue to grow their ever-expanding empire.
In fact, the world-renowned PokerStars symbol will now be on the Octagon canvas for each UFC event.
The build-up to UFC 237 saw PokerStars make a massive statement of intent in regards to their future plans for UFC cards.
They well and truly embraced the Brazilian culture by working with local artists to create an iconic mural of Rose Namajunas, Jessica Andrade, Anderson Silva and Jared Cannonier at the world famous Selaron Steps in Lapa.
And, staying true to their roots, they released special edition playing cards with quartet’s faces on them, which they are expected to do for each pay-per-view event.
PokerStars are hoping to host more events in conjunction with UFC PPV cards this year, with International Fight Week in Las Vegas one of their main priorities. And if their debut event in Rio is anything to go by, UFC and poker fans can expect some unforgettable experiences.