UFC and bet365 Announce Exclusive 5-Year Agreement
Posted on: March 5, 2026, 12:28h.
Last updated on: March 5, 2026, 12:29h.
- UFC and bet365 announce agreement that replaces DraftKings partnership
- bet365 will be integrated into UFC broadcasts through on-screen betting tickers during live events
- Partnership kicks off Saturday in Las Vegas at UFC 326
DraftKings is out at UFC, with bet365 now stepping in, wrapping up exclusive gambling and fantasy rights for the next five years in the U.S. and Canada, the company announced.
Deal Announced in Time for UFC 326
Bet365, one of the world’s largest online gambling companies, has been named Official Sports Betting Partner of the UFC under a multi-year agreement.
The announcement of the deal is just in time for Saturday night’s UFC 326 event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, starting at 9 p.m. EST, headlined by a lightweight rematch between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.
With the partnership, bet365 will be integrated into UFC broadcasts through on-screen betting tickers during live events, fighter and bout intro odds tied to each matchup, and same-game parlay features presented during event coverage.
Real-Time Betting Focus
UFC 326 will feature nine main card and preliminary bouts. The bet365 deal covers all UFC events annually, including numbered events and Fight Nights. The partnership will actually kick off during the weigh-ins tomorrow. Bet365 is providing a 50% profit boost token within the bet365 app for bets placed on Saturday’s event.
This partnership with UFC marks a defining moment for bet365 as we accelerate our growth globally and deepen our commitment to sports where live action and fan engagement are inseparable,” said Trip Stoddard, Head of Development at bet365.
“UFC’s always-on event calendar and highly engaged global fanbase create a powerful environment for real-time betting, and our industry-leading product depth uniquely positions us to elevate how fans experience every fight.”
Suspicious Betting Activity
The UFC has dealt with gambling black eyes of late, most recently at UFC 324 in Las Vegas, when UFC CEO Dana White revealed at the post-fight news conference that a Alexander Hernandez versus Michael Johnson lightweight bout had been cancelled because of suspicious betting activity.
That was the second time within a few months that Integrity Compliance 360, the global technology and advisory firm specializing in integrity monitoring, regulatory compliance and risk management for sports betting and igaming operators, had raised red flags for the UFC about irregular betting, that the UFC then acted on.
Michael Johnson is actually on Saturday’s card – fighting Drew Dober in a lightweight bout on the main card. Hernandez hasn’t been re-booked by UFC as yet.
Live Odds Engagement
Still, UFC is hugely popular among bettors, driving in-play wagering and live odds engagement.
bet365 brings scale, credibility, and innovation to the sports betting space, and we’re thrilled to continue to develop this long-term partnership at such a momentous time for UFC,” said Nicholas Smith, Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships TKO.
“bet365 is a natural fit for UFC because they understand fight fans and how they engage with the sport in real time. This partnership enhances the viewing experience by providing fans with deeper insights, dynamic odds, and more ways to engage responsibly with every bout, from the opening bell to the final decision.”
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