The UFC partnered with a company named Dapper Labs, in order to provide consumers with crypto versions of famous MMA fighters. The crypto versions of fighters function like digital sports trading cards, where users can collect fighters in a digital medium.
Roham Gharegozlou, the CEO of Dapper Labs, stated that the partnership with the UFC will provide fight fans with new avenues to interact with the stars of the promotion. Tracey Bleczinsk, the senior vice president of global consumer products for the UFC, released a statement about the partnership, "UFC prides itself on being innovators in sports technology, and [the blockchain] is another way to provide our fans with the best entertainment experience."
Dapper Labs has a successful history as a blockchain startup, it was the organization behind CryptoKitties, which hit its peak popularity in 2017. The crypto startup also created NBA Top Shot, which was a series of blockchain items, that let users own highlights from NBA games.
Crypto Athlete Collectibles
The UFC Partnered with Dapper Labs to Create Crypto Fighters
Trend Themes
1. Crypto Athlete Collectibles - The trend of creating crypto versions of famous athletes, such as MMA fighters, allows fans to collect their favorite athletes in a digital medium.
2. Digital Sports Trading Cards - The trend of using blockchain technology to create digital sports trading cards provides fans with new avenues to interact with their favorite athletes and enhances the entertainment experience.
3. Sports Technology Innovation - The trend of partnering with blockchain startups like Dapper Labs demonstrates the sports industry's commitment to being innovators in sports technology, providing fans with cutting-edge entertainment experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Blockchain Technology - The blockchain technology industry can capitalize on the trend of creating crypto athlete collectibles, by developing platforms and marketplaces for fans to buy, trade, and collect digital sports trading cards.
2. Sports Entertainment - The sports entertainment industry can leverage the trend of digital sports trading cards to engage fans in new and exciting ways, creating immersive experiences and increasing fan loyalty.
3. Athlete Branding and Merchandise - The athlete branding and merchandise industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by incorporating blockchain technology to create unique and collectible digital merchandise for fans to purchase and own.