In a high-profile move aligning elite combat sports with global gaming, leading betting platform Stake has named UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko as its new Global Brand Ambassador. The partnership deepens Stake’s investment in MMA by integrating exclusive content, betting promotions, and unique fan engagement tools built around one of the sport’s most dominant and recognizable athletes. This collaboration not only underscores Stake’s growing role within the UFC ecosystem but also cements Shevchenko’s status as a commercial force beyond the octagon.

Stake Expands Its UFC Footprint with a Proven Champion

Valentina Shevchenko, widely regarded as one of the most formidable female fighters in UFC history, is the latest sports icon to join Stake’s ambassadorial ranks. Her signing comes amid Stake’s ongoing efforts to position itself at the heart of MMA betting and fan engagement globally.

As the new face of Stake’s UFC efforts, Shevchenko will deliver exclusive predictions, betting tips, and premium behind-the-scenes content, catering to Stake’s international base of bettors and fight enthusiasts.

Unique Activations and Fan-Focused Content to Follow

The partnership is not simply symbolic — it’s a tactical expansion. Stake confirmed that Shevchenko will play an active role in interactive promotions, event-based wagering experiences, and digital campaigns designed to resonate with MMA fans across continents.

Stake’s strategy centers on merging elite athletic talent with real-time sports engagement experiences, and Shevchenko’s proven dominance and disciplined persona make her an ideal conduit for this integration.

Strengthening a Portfolio of UFC Powerhouses

This latest addition further strengthens Stake’s already notable UFC brand ambassador portfolio, which includes Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira, and Merab Dvalishvili — all current or former UFC titleholders.

By stacking its brand alongside championship-caliber fighters, Stake positions itself as the betting home of elite MMA — not just in name, but in presence and partnership.

The strategy isn’t isolated to MMA. Recently, Stake also unveiled Frankie Dettori as its first-ever Global Racing Ambassador, signaling the company’s broader ambitions to dominate high-performance sports across verticals.

Stake and Shevchenko Speak on the Partnership

The reaction from both parties has been decidedly enthusiastic. Stake’s Chief Marketing Officer, Akhil Sarin, expressed confidence in the collaboration’s potential to drive impact.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Valentina to the Stake family,” said Sarin. “We feel that the Stake brand is now synonymous with the UFC, and our relationships with the very best athletes in the sport help us continue to grow in the MMA sphere.”

For her part, Shevchenko shared in the optimism, praising Stake’s positioning within the fight community:

“Stake has become one of the most important and exciting partners of the UFC, and I’m proud to now be a Global Ambassador for the brand,” she remarked. She concluded with confidence: “Stake is the home of champions, and I’m excited to work with its incredible team.”

Strategic Takeaway: Sports Betting Meets Personal Branding

Stake’s collaboration with Valentina Shevchenko isn’t just another marketing play — it’s a calculated brand convergence where credibility in elite sports meets targeted consumer engagement. As sportsbooks increasingly rely on athlete-driven storytelling and content to win user loyalty, partnerships like this one form the blueprint for sustained cross-sector relevance.

Shevchenko’s presence lends authenticity and reach, while Stake’s platform amplifies her visibility among the digitally native betting audience. Together, they create a synergy that goes beyond logos on shorts or appearances in ads.

A Knockout Move for Global Betting Engagement

By bringing Valentina Shevchenko on board as its Global Brand Ambassador, Stake has delivered a powerful statement of intent — one that aligns elite sportsmanship with digital gaming innovation. The partnership promises value for fans, bettors, and the brands themselves, bridging adrenaline-pumping action with engaging betting experiences.

As sports betting and entertainment continue to merge, Stake’s approach — rooted in authentic athlete alliances — positions it at the forefront of next-gen iGaming branding. With Shevchenko now in the fold, the brand's UFC dominance just got a heavyweight boost.