Cloudbet’s Fighter Fund now backs 12 emerging MMA athletes, with a six-figure commitment in 2026 to funding, equipment and mentorship, and more to come.
Stars Paul Hughes and Dakota Ditcheva support the launch of the Fighter Fund. The program provides global sponsorship support and performance resources to rising MMA talents. (Photo: Cloudbet)
GLOBAL, 17 October 2026 – Talent gets a fighter noticed, but it rarely pays the bills. More than 8,000 active professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters are competing for a few hundred places at the top of the sport, and most are paying their own way, with a single fight camp costing thousands of dollars a month.
Behind most prospects on a fight card is a fight the crowd never sees: day jobs worked around training, coaching and travel paid for out of their own pockets, and years with little or no sponsorship before a major promotion takes notice. Cloudbet, the crypto sportsbook and casino, launched its Fighter Fund in September 2026 to change that.
The fund now backs 12 MMA athletes with direct funding, training equipment and access to professional resources, so they can focus on their development rather than on how to pay for it. Cloudbet has made a six-figure commitment to the fund this year, which it describes as just the start.
Behind most prospects on a fight card is a fight the crowd never sees: day jobs worked around training, coaching and travel paid for out of their own pockets, and years with little or no sponsorship before a major promotion takes notice. Cloudbet, the crypto sportsbook and casino, launched its Fighter Fund in September 2026 to change that.
The fund now backs 12 MMA athletes with direct funding, training equipment and access to professional resources, so they can focus on their development rather than on how to pay for it. Cloudbet has made a six-figure commitment to the fund this year, which it describes as just the start.
It is a fight former UFC Heavyweight Champion and Cloudbet Ambassador Tom Aspinall knows first-hand. On his way up, he was “struggling financially, taking on work to make ends meet and sometimes not even having enough money to put petrol in the car to get to training.” Support like the Fighter Fund, he said, “would have been something I could only have dreamed of.”
The fund goes beyond financial sponsorship. Athletes are connected with established fighters who have come through the ranks themselves, giving them mentorship and guidance on preparing for major fights and building long-term careers in the sport.
“There’s so much talent out there, but talent alone isn’t always enough,” said Aspinall. “Giving these fighters the support they need at such an important stage of their careers can make a massive difference.”
The 12 fighters supported so far range from undefeated prospects to experienced competitors looking to build on their success in the cage. Three of them, Canadians Melissa Croden, Jasmine Jasudavicius and Cody Chovancek, are competing on the UFC Edmonton card on October 17.
Melissa Croden, Fighter said: “I am so grateful for the opportunity to be working with the Fighter Fund as I prepare for my UFC fight on October 17th in Edmonton, Alberta. Fighting is a full-time commitment, but for many athletes, the financial reality means having to balance that commitment with work outside of the sport. I’m incredibly thankful to the Fighter Fund for believing in me and investing in my journey. This kind of support means more than just financial assistance, it gives athletes the opportunity to focus on the work, the preparation, and the dream.”
John Hyon Ko, Fighter Fund Lead at Cloudbet, said: “Talent shouldn’t be held back by the cost of getting started. The Fighter Fund reflects our passion for MMA and our commitment to playing a meaningful role in the sport beyond traditional sponsorship, with practical support, resources and connections that help athletes advance their careers. This year’s commitment is just the start. With 12 fighters now on board, we’re excited to expand our roster and strengthen our involvement in the MMA community.”
The Fighter Fund is welcoming more athletes, with a focus on long-term partnerships and support tailored to each fighter’s stage of career.
Athletes supported by the Fighter Fund (W-L-D)
Cody Chovancek (9-0-0)
Melissa Croden (8-3-0)
Godwin Friday (3-0-0)
Godwin Friday (3-0-0)
Andrew Herrmann (4-0-0)
An Tuan Ho (8-2-0)
Ernesto Ibarra (12-2-0)
Jasmine Jasudavicius (15-4-0)
Hunter Lee (7-2-0)
Elijas Leonardo (1-0-0)
Hunter Lee (7-2-0)
Elijas Leonardo (1-0-0)
Eoghan Masoliver (2-0-0)
Damien McGuigan (2-1-0)
John Ornido (6-3-0)
Damien McGuigan (2-1-0)
John Ornido (6-3-0)
Find out more about the Fighter Fund: https://www.cloudbet.com/en/fighterfund/
- Ends -
About Cloudbet
Cloudbet is the home of the biggest crypto players. A crypto casino and sportsbook built for the people who play at the top, and the ones rising to join them. Founded in 2013, it is the longest running name in crypto betting, and the one that knows its players better than anyone.
Cloudbet is the home of the biggest crypto players. A crypto casino and sportsbook built for the people who play at the top, and the ones rising to join them. Founded in 2013, it is the longest running name in crypto betting, and the one that knows its players better than anyone.
Cloudbet’s players have placed millions of bets in more than 30 cryptocurrencies, across slots, live casino, and sports markets from the Premier League to NFL player props to esports. They stay for fast payouts, honest prices, and a venue that treats gaming as an experience in itself, not a transaction to be processed.
Cloudbet is committed to promoting responsible gambling. To help keep gambling fun and stay in control, we offer a range of tools, including self-exclusion options and access to professional support services. Find out more at cloudbet.com/en/help/responsible-gambling.