UFC Champ Joins 888 Poker Team

Mixed Martial Arts Champion Georges St-Pierre has joined 888 poker as the company's newest global ambassador, signing a 12-month deal which will see him participate in the 2012 World Series of Poker Main Event and other tournaments.

888 Ultimate Fighting Champ

The Canadian currently holds the Ultimate Fighting Championship Welterweight belt, and with this signing will now also be found playing online poker at 888poker and participating in special promotions from which the proceeds of games will be donated to anti-bullying charities.

In addition to serving a very good purpose, 888 officials said their partnership agreement with Georges St-Pierre will strengthen their brand awareness around the globe and introduce 888 to the growing sports of MMA and its fans. They said it adds to yet another international sports celebrity being on board.

MMA and Online Gambling

A number of other MMA fighters have been involved in online poker over the years, most notably Randy Couture - who hosts an annual charity tournament called Operation All In which honors the veterans of the American armed forces. Mike Swick finished 10th in a WSOP tournament in 2010, and Chuck Lidell, Mike Swick, Forest Griffin and others have all competed in the world's leading tournament as well.

MMA also features heavily at online sportsbooks, with all the top bookmakers including William Hill, bet365, TitanBet, Sports Interaction, and of course 888sports offering a variety of wagering options on tournaments. This of course will include St-Pierre's upcoming fight to defend his UFC welterweight title.