The UFC is releasing NFT collectibles with the help of Crypto.com, starting with the commemoration of the upcoming UFC 268 event.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and crypto exchange app Crypto.com, are collaborating on an NFT collection for the former. According to reports, the new NFT series will include digital collectibles peculiar to the premier mixed martial arts organization. Examples will include fight night paintings, event posters, championship belts, as well as fighter personas and avatars.
Crypto.com also released a statement affirming the partnership, stating:
“Together with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s premier MMA organization, we’re giving Crypto.com NFT users and fight fans the opportunity to witness the action and own collectibles of the most elite athletes in the sport as part of the “UFC 268” collection!”
Crypto.com also extolled the ‘exhilaration’ spectators derive from watching UFC events, as well as the multifacetedness of the fighting disciplines, showcased. For the next upcoming UFC pay-per-view event ‘UFC 268,’ which takes place over the weekend, Cryto.com will make available commemorative NFT-packs. The collection, aptly dubbed the ‘UFC 268 Packs,’ will debut on Thursday and will feature fight posters and belt designs from the main event bout, ‘Usman vs. Covington 2.’ Furthermore, Crypto.com says the NFT collection will be available for purchase to fans “while supplies last.”
Kris Marszalek, CEO and co-founder Crypto.com also commented on the collaboration between both entities, emphasizing increased opportunities via technology:
“UFC is a premier global sports brand with legions of avid fans worldwide, and we’re excited to leverage our technology to provide unique fan engagement opportunities and security for their collectibles.”
Prior to the NFT Release, the UFC & Crypto.com Relationship Officially Kicked Off Back in July 2021
The UFC first signed a lucrative $175-million sponsorship deal with Crypto.com back in July. Pursuant to the deal, the logo of the payments firm would appear on the combat kits worn by the athletes. In addition, Crypto.com’s logo would also feature on the clothing worn by the training staff. Back then, the partnership between both companies also represented the UFC’s first notable commercial venture into the crypto space.
UFC president Dana White officially made the announcement at a press conference in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. White also added that the agreement was his company’s largest sponsorship deal to date. In the eyes of public observers, the collaboration was also another significant step towards the marriage of crypto and the sports industry. Currently, UFC fans can purchase all official company memorabilia and products via the Crypto.com secure app market. They can also purchase NFTs using the exchange platform’s native token CRO, in addition to using other popular digital currencies.
Crypto.com recently collaborated with veteran Hollywood actor Matt Damon to expand its visibility via advertisements and campaigns. Another notable high-profile celebrity Crypto.com has partnered with in recent times is Californian rap veteran Snoop Dogg. The platform also inked deals with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League, and auto racing promotion Formula One. Other partnerships include the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, the Italian Serie A football league, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Tolu is a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast based in Lagos. He likes to demystify crypto stories to the bare basics so that anyone anywhere can understand without too much background knowledge.
When he’s not neck-deep in crypto stories, Tolu enjoys music, loves to sing and is an avid movie lover.