Arabic version: سيحصل مقاتلو UFC على مكافآت في عملة مشفرة مدعومة من ترامب
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced on Friday that it will pay bonuses to fighters in a form of cryptocurrency issued by Trump family business World Liberty Financial at the heavily publicized White House mixed martial arts event on June 14, Donald Trump’s birthday.
According to The Guardian, some fighters will receive bonuses in World Liberty Financial’s stablecoin, known as “USD1,” which is pegged to the US dollar. The company, co-founded by Donald Trump and his sons in 2024 alongside the Witkoff sons, has emerged as a significant player in the cryptocurrency space, with Trump’s financial disclosure form indicating holdings exceeding $50 million.
The UFC’s partnership with World Liberty Financial has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, though a White House spokesman stated that Trump’s assets are managed by his children in a trust. The spokesman dismissed concerns as irresponsible, suggesting they contribute to public distrust.
World Liberty Financial was recently announced as an official sponsor of the UFC event, and the company is creating a bonus pool specifically for the fighters. Zach Witkoff, the CEO of World Liberty Financial, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the company’s vision of modernizing finance through cryptocurrency.
Despite the promising outlook, World Liberty has faced controversies, including litigation with crypto tycoon Justin Sun over token-related issues. The USD1 stablecoin, however, is distinct from these controversies and is designed as a tradable digital asset backed by dollar reserves. The UFC’s decision to use this cryptocurrency for fighter bonuses appears to be part of a broader strategy to increase its visibility and adoption in the sports industry.
