In accordance with a revised code of conduct, the UFC changed its policy and now forbids its athletes from placing wagers on matches taking place in the promotion.
Athletes, members of their teams, and “certain others” are no longer permitted to gamble on Octagon contests. This is according to a letter from UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell to Yahoo Sports.
Campbell stated,
“In light of clear direction that we have received from regulators responsible for the regulated sports betting industry in the United States, we are compelled at this time to recognize in the UFC Athlete Conduct Policy certain restrictions relating to wagering by our athletes, members of their teams and certain others.”
“As you may already be aware, most states in which regulated sports betting is conducted prohibit athletes from wagering on promotions or events with which they are affiliated. Many states also extend this prohibition to the athletes’ training teams, family members and others that have access to “inside information” relating to the athletes and their events.”
“In some instances, violations of these prohibitions could result in criminal charges. The UFC’s contracted athletes are not exempt from these prohibitions, which state legislators and regulators have implemented for the purpose of maintaining the integrity of our sport. ”
“In order to assist our athletes in understanding their obligations under the laws of the majority of states in which sports betting is permitted, and in further support of these integrity measures, UFC has incorporated a wagering prohibition into the UFC Athlete Conduct Policy expressly prohibiting athletes from wagering on any UFC match.”
UFC athletes are permitted to bet on other promotions. They may also obtain sponsorship from sports betting organizations. The following is the revised portion of the UFC Code of Conduct:
“Athletes are prohibited from placing any wagers (directly or through a third party) on any UFC match, including placing any wagers on themselves. In most states with legalized sports betting, wagering by an athlete (directly or through a third party) on any MMA match put on by a promoter with which they are affiliated is illegal and may result in criminal sanction. “
“Athletes should also be aware that in most states these same prohibitions apply to some or all of (i) relatives living in the same household as an athlete, (ii) an athlete’s coaches, managers, handlers, athletic trainers, medical professionals and staff, and (iii) any other person with access to non-public information regarding participants in any MMA match. “
“An athlete that becomes aware or has knowledge of any wagering in violation of these restrictions must immediately notify UFC of such incident in accordance with this UFC Athlete Conduct Policy.”
Campbell said in an interview with Yahoo Sports that many jurisdictions with legalized sports betting have laws in place that prohibit players from partaking in sports betting. Several UFC athletes have revealed their wagers on matches taking place in the promotion in the past.
While this might seem like an obvious move it’s also another way for UFC to cut into how the athletes can make money.
Many of the fans of the UFC aren’t aware just how many of the athletes featured on any given card are risking brain damage to make less than $10,000.
One DWCS contender was determined to get a proper paycheck one way or another.
Dennis Buzukja (8-2) earned his second shot at the Dana White’s Contender Series last Tuesday. In the talent-seeking show, he competed against the 6-1 Kaleio Romero.
To show his determination and confidence, he bet his whole paycheck consisting of $5,000 show money on himself.
He uploaded the picture of his betting ticket on Twitter with a caption saying “Believe in yourself.”
Believe in yourself ☝🏼 pic.twitter.com/hcq7KOVfL9
— Buzukja (@DennisBuzukja) July 27, 2022
After three rounds, Buzukja won the against Romero by a unanimous decision. In addition to his $5,000 show money, he also received a $5,000 win money. And with his bet, he added another $2,272 to his bank account.
In addition to Buzukja, UFC vet turned coach James Krause also revealed he was betting on events in addition to Israel Adesanya and Joe Rogan who boasted of a staggering 84% success rate.
Many UFC athletes have partnerships with a number of betting houses.