There was news both in and out of the UFC Octagon in Rio over the weekend.
While Rose Namajunas and Jessica Andrade headlined UFC® 237, a PokerStars press conference announced details of three new PokerStars Ambassadors from the world of UFC.
The three new names were unveiled as:
- Voice of the Octagon Bruce Buffer
- UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier
- No 12 ranked light heavyweight Johnny Walker
Each of those names will be familiar to UFC fans. They’ll be part of various project and promotions coming up in the coming months. That should fascinate UFC and poker fans alike.
A warm Rio welcome
Given this was Rio, it seemed only right that the new ambassadors received a warm welcome from local poker hero Andre Akkari.
“For me and for many Brazilians, poker and MMA are passions,” said Akkari. “To give poker fans opportunities to engage with the UFC and to give UFC fans more ways to engage with what they love is really exciting. It’s an honour to have such incredible athletes in our corner.”
Bruce Buffer, who is already an accomplished poker player, had this to say:
UFC announcer Bruce Buffer joins team PokerStars
“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 honor for me.”
Johnny Walker picked up on the challenges that make good fighters and good poker players:
Andre Akkari introduces Johnny Walker, Daniel Cormier and Bruce Buffer at the Rio press conference
“I’m thrilled to represent PokerStars on their journey with the UFC. I love a challenge and any opportunity to sharpen my game,” said Johnny Walker. “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.”
It all preceded UFC 237 which took place at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio over the weekend. It was a dramatic night, as you can read about on the PokerStars Blog. Catch up on everything on the night here.