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Online gaming platform Stake announced a new global ambassadorial partnership with UFC flyweight Tracy Cortez on Monday.
The partnership further entrenches Stake in the world of combat sports and sports betting by leveraging one of UFC’s prominent contenders.
Key Takeaways
- Cortez is the UFC’s eighth-ranked flyweight.
- Stake noted in an announcement that it was trying to grow its presence in MMA.
- Stake generated at least $4 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2025, according to estimates.
Australia-based Stake, which referred to itself as “the world’s largest online casino and sportsbook,” noted the “significant milestone” in the brand’s growth in the world of mixed martial arts.
The announcement confirmed that the partnership is already in effect. It did not disclose how long Cortez’s title of global ambassador will last or any financial details.
“Tracy Cortez is a phenomenal athlete, who we’re really excited to be partnering with in this new ambassadorial role,” said Stake’s Chief Marketing Officer, Akhil Sarin. “She has proven herself to be a real contender in the UFC flyweight division already, and as she comes into her prime, Stake is proud to support her journey.”
Sarin elaborated that Cortez was chosen not just because she was a rising contender in UFC, but because the company’s decision-makers thought that she would make an appropriate face of their brand.
“Tracy’s personality and competitive spirit is something which aligns with our values at Stake – she’s fun, the fans love her, and we’re looking forward to bringing a valuable partnership to MMA fans,” he said.
The right time for both parties
Both Stake and Cortez claimed that their partnership would create new engaging opportunities for customers, although they did not reveal specific details.
“Partnering with Stake feels like the perfect fit for this chapter of my career,” Cortez said. “This is a brand at the cutting edge of sports and entertainment, and they value the same grit and authenticity that I bring to every fight. I’m ready to engage with my supporters in a whole new way and take this journey to the next level together.”
Stake has partnerships with numerous MMA fighters, including several of the most respected names in the sport. That list includes Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira, Max Holloway, Merab Dvalishvili, and Valentina Shevchenko, among others.
Cortez, the eighth-ranked women’s flyweight, is the latest individual to join the list. She has a 12-3 career UFC record and is searching for her first division title fight.
Stake’s new partner was also one win away from tying the UFC women’s record for the longest winning streak across all divisions at 12. After losing her debut fight in August 2017, Cortez won 11 straight bouts before her streak was ended by Rose Namajunas in July 2024. She beat Viviane Araújo and lost to Erin Blanchfield in the time since.
Stake going mainstream?
Stake has taken an unconventional approach to growing its business.
Embracing cryptocurrency as a form of payment, operating a dual-currency model for its U.S. platform, and employing guerrilla marketing tactics on social media prevented the platform from being categorized with other prominent operators with global audiences.
Nonetheless, Stake generated an estimated $4 billion minimum in gross gaming revenue in 2025, the most of any crypto casino. It has also expanded into numerous countries across the globe and has a laundry list of partners, including Drake, X Games, the UFC itself, Everton Football Club, and more.
Partnerships like the one with Cortez give the company a better chance of reaching and holding onto mainstream audiences.
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