Experienced journalist and editor covering the sports and betting industry. A football, NFL and rugby specialist, he is a FWA member and judge at the Football Content Awards.
As one of the country's leading online gaming platforms, NetBet has taken huge strides in the world of combat sports and is now the sports betting partner for the UFC. The new partnership with the award-winning team at Fight Disciples, co-hosted by Adam Catterall and Nick Peet, will showcase exclusive UFC content to a broader audience.
Ahead of UFC Tennessee, we speak to Tristan Wootton Head of UK at NetBet, about their partnership with Fight Disciples and the UFC, and what we can expect to see over the next few months.
OLBG: Can you tell us about the partnership with Fight Disciples?
TW: The partnership with Fight Disciples is the next step in our plan to become the UK's number one destination for UFC betting content. We're trying to change the game here, and that's something which Adam and Nick have done with their channel. A key part of this deal is boosting the visibility of our exciting UFC Predictor game, which is free-to-play for all NetBet customers in the UK. Furthermore, NetBet branding will be present in all of Fight Disciples' UFC-related content, which is really exciting for us. We've several surprises in store for viewers as we gear up for the UFC's return to Europe.
OLBG: Why did you choose to partner with them?
TW: Fight Disciples is not only one of the best podcasts around in the combat sports world, but the world of sports in general. With great listener interaction and bags of exclusive content, including interviews with the top fighters in the game, Adam and Nick have created a product which aligns perfectly with our goals.
OLBG: And more generally, tell us about the partnership with the UFC?
TW: So, the deal with the UFC was officially announced back in March and we are already seeing fantastic results. As part of the deal, NetBet branding is present in the Octagon and all across the promotion's international broadcast feeds, as well as their social media channels. It's the perfect opportunity for us to own UFC, rather than be another forgettable sleeve or training kit partner in football.
OLBG: What can UFC bettors expect to find at NetBet?
TW: As soon as you navigate to the UFC page on NetBet's website and app, you'll see all the things we have to offer. Every single big fight is covered, from title fights to the undercard scraps that may slip under the radar. And the number of markets we provide on each bout has significantly increased since signing the agreement with the UFC. If you're more of a 'Winning Method' bettor or more inclined to wager on round-specific outcomes we've got you covered.
We have also introduced a number of new promotions related to the UFC, such as the UFC Wheel of Sportune daily engagement wheel and UFC Acca Boost, where your winnings can be boosted by up to 50%. And lest we forget, the UFC Predictor game.
OLBG: Talk us through that – how does it work?
TW: Free-to-play games are nothing new, we've had a Correct Score Predictor for just four games and still we're waiting to pay out the £5,000. For the UFC, our equivalent is essentially our version of the ITV7 Jackpot, but focused on the big UFC events.
NetBet customers will be asked to predict the outcome of five selected fights to be in with a chance of winning a £2,000 jackpot, with other prizes on offer to those who bag either four or three correct picks. You'll need the method of victory, not just the fight winner, I'm afraid. Adam and Nick will be providing their own predictions too, to help those who are perhaps newer to the world of UFC. You'll see the prize grow too. Next weekend for UFC 318 we'll be offering £4,000. It's very, very winnable.
UFC Tennessee: Fight Disciples give their picks for NetBet's £2,000 FREE TO PLAY Predictor Game at UFC Tennessee Fight Night
OLBG: Will there be other UFC-related things beyond the Fight Disciples partnership in the future?
TW: In the world of sports betting, you can never afford to stand still. It's one of the most competitive industries around, with new competitors popping up left, right and centre. So yes, we are always on the lookout for more UFC-related opportunities to give us that unique edge. But for now, we couldn't be happier with the Fight Disciples partnership and I personally cannot wait to watch it progress over the coming months. We'll be pulling out all the stops for Paris, in September.
OLBG: The Fight Disciples partnership includes upcoming boxing bouts, will there be anything specific for boxing, too?
TW: As part of this deal with Fight Disciples, we will be teaming up to provide more high-quality content for the most significant boxing fights, starting this weekend with Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano. After that, we'll be looking towards Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois. Who said it was a quiet summer for sport?
