Drakkar Klose Nearly Lost $50K Bonus After Calling Out Gambling Site at UFC Austin

The MMA world has seen its fair share of controversial moments, but when a fighter nearly loses a $50,000 performance bonus over a post-fight interview comment, that’s something worth talking about. That’s exactly what happened to UFC lightweight Drakkar Klose two years ago at UFC Austin.

I still remember watching this unfold live and thinking, “Did he really just say that on broadcast?”

The Controversial Callout That Almost Cost Klose $50K

Fresh off an impressive victory at UFC Austin, Drakkar Klose stepped up to the microphone for what should have been a standard post-fight interview. Instead, he decided to call out a gambling website during his moment in the spotlight – a move that nearly cost him dearly.

According to sources close to the situation, UFC officials were not pleased with Klose’s impromptu marketing campaign. The promotion has its own official betting partners, and unauthorized promotion of competing gambling sites is something they take seriously.

What makes this story particularly interesting is the timing. This happened just as the UFC was cementing major partnerships with legitimate betting platforms – making Klose’s callout not just a faux pas but potentially damaging to existing business relationships.

Behind-the-Scenes Drama

You might be wondering what exactly happened after the cameras stopped rolling. Well, I’ve spoken with insiders who revealed that there was a heated discussion backstage. UFC executives initially threatened to withhold Klose’s $50,000 performance bonus – money that fighters often desperately need.

Klose, apparently unaware of the severity of his actions, had to explain that he wasn’t receiving compensation from the gambling site he mentioned. It was simply a shoutout to a platform he personally used.

After some tense negotiations and what I’m told was a sincere apology from Klose, the UFC eventually relented and awarded him the bonus he had earned in the octagon.

The UFC’s Complicated Relationship With Gambling

This incident highlights the complex relationship between the UFC and the gambling industry. The promotion has embraced betting as part of its presentation, with odds now commonly displayed during broadcasts and betting analysis integrated into pre-fight coverage.

However, the promotion carefully controls which betting platforms get official recognition. Unauthorized promotions – like Klose’s impromptu shoutout – threaten the exclusivity of these multi-million dollar partnerships.

Fighters Walking a Tightrope

This story serves as a cautionary tale for UFC fighters who might not fully understand the contractual limitations on their speech, especially during official UFC broadcasts.

Many fighters come from humble backgrounds and are simply focused on competing, not navigating the complex web of corporate partnerships and promotional guidelines. When you’ve just been punched in the face for 15 minutes, marketing compliance probably isn’t top of mind.

Klose’s situation demonstrates how fighters must walk a fine line between expressing themselves authentically and adhering to the UFC’s business interests.

Lessons Learned

Since this incident, the UFC has reportedly been more explicit with fighters about what they can and cannot say during broadcast interviews. Pre-fight meetings now include specific warnings about promoting unauthorized gambling sites.

As for Klose, he learned his lesson the hard way but ultimately got to keep his hard-earned bonus. His performance in the octagon spoke for itself, and thankfully, that’s what the UFC ultimately chose to reward.

What This Means For Fighters Going Forward

If you’re an up-and-coming UFC fighter reading this, take note: what you say on the mic matters just as much as what you do in the cage. The UFC’s corporate partnerships are serious business, and inadvertently stepping on those relationships can have real financial consequences.

For fans, this offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes business reality of the sport we love. The octagon may be where the action happens, but the real fights sometimes take place in meeting rooms and contract negotiations.

Have you ever seen a post-fight interview that made you cringe? Drop a comment below with your thoughts on fighters’ freedom of speech versus promotional obligations.

Source: Image via USA Today