Multi-asset trading platform eToro has entered the octagon with a new partnership deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the company announced on Friday.

The six-month partnership makes eToro the “Official Online Trading Partner of UFC” in Australia and New Zealand. The deal will kick in on October 6 with UFC 243: WHITTAKER vs. ADESANYA to be held in Melbourne.

London Summit 2019 Launches the Latest Era in FX and Fintech – Join Now

Commenting on the partnership, Nick Smith, vice president of global partnership at UFC, said: “We are thrilled that eToro is joining us as UFC’s new Online Trading Partner in Australia and New Zealand.”

The partnership between the two companies will put eToro’s logo inside the octagon ring. In addition, the brand of the trading platform will be promoted on stadium activations, social content, and consumer promotions.

“A partnership in this space with a global company like eToro demonstrates the continued innovation and growth that UFC has developed in-market,” Smith added.

Sports marketing – an effective way to create brand awareness

Registered in both Cyprus and London, eToro launched its Australian subsidiary in mid-August. The partnership deal with UFC is a part of the company’s push to create brand awareness in the southern hemisphere.

“We partner with sports teams around the world in order to try and reach as many people as possible with the main aim of getting them interested in investing. The UFC has an incredibly devoted and passionate fan base, which is why we chose it as our first partnership in Australia,” Robert Francis, managing director of eToro Australia, said.

eToro is also sponsoring a contest for UFC fans to give the winner a VIP experience in the upcoming 9th Annual UFC International Fight Week.

Apart from the deal with the UFC, other major sponsorship deals of the trading platform include its partnership with six premier league teams for the 2019/2020 season.