Mixed marital artist George St. Pierre has inked a contract with 888Poker.com. The current UFC Welterweight Champion will serve as a “global brand ambassador” for the popular online poker site, according to iGaming Business.
The year-long agreement between the two parties will see St. Pierre appearing at several live events, including the 2012 World Series of Poker. He, along with other members of the new Team 888Poker, will also fly the company flag at the coming 888 Super Stack gathering. The French-Canadian fighter has revealed additional details of the partnership, many of which involve charitable events and funds.
“I have wanted to play poker for a while now as it is a great game of skill,” said St. Pierre. “It is not just your cards versus my cards; it is you versus your opponent. However, the most important aspect of my partnership with 888Poker is that we are going to generate a great deal of money for my foundation that dedicates its efforts towards anti-bullying causes.”
Owning a record of 22 wins and just two defeats in the UFC, St. Pierre has put together an impressive career resume. Currently, he ranks among the best pound for pound fighters in the world according to ESPN, Yahoo Sports, and other MMA outlets. After a 10 month injury hiatus, he is expected to face Carlos Condit (the interim Welterweight Champion) to determine the brand’s Undisputed Welterweight Champion. No date for the fight has been set, but it expected to come within the year.
“The partnership agreement,” said Itai Pazner, one of the VP’s for 888, “will strengthen our brand awareness around the globe and introduce 888 to the growing sport of mixed martial arts and its fans … It is exciting to have this international sports celebrity on board with us.”