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Policy

Trump-Backed USD1 Takes Center Stage With Record UFC Bonus Payouts

World Liberty Financial promoted USD1 through record UFC fighter bonuses. The White House event gave the stablecoin exposure to millions. Lawmakers continue reviewing the company’s foreign ow

AnonymousCryptoCompass newsroom
June 15, 2026
3 min read
NEWS
Trump-Backed USD1 Takes Center Stage With Record UFC Bonus Payouts
CryptoCompass editorial visual for policy coverage.
  • World Liberty Financial promoted USD1 through record UFC fighter bonuses.
  • The White House event gave the stablecoin exposure to millions.
  • Lawmakers continue reviewing the company’s foreign ownership connections.

World Liberty Financial turned UFC Freedom 250 into a major showcase for its USD1 stablecoin by funding fighter bonuses with the digital asset. The promotion gave USD1 one of its largest public appearances to date and connected the token to a high-profile sporting event hosted at the White House.

The June 14 event took place on the South Lawn and coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s birthday. World Liberty Financial served as the presenting sponsor and contributed $250,000 in USD1 to the Performance of the Night bonus pool. Consequently, each winner received a total payout of $425,000.

Crypto.com also participated in the event by sponsoring the Fight of the Night awards. Those winners received bonuses worth $400,000 each. Combined, the incentives lifted total fighter payouts to roughly $1.65 million, setting a new record for a UFC event.

Moreover, the promotion placed USD1 in front of millions of viewers and highlighted World Liberty Financial’s efforts to expand awareness of the stablecoin beyond traditional crypto audiences.

Also Read: Peter Brandt Sees Bitcoin Stuck in Downtrend Despite $127,500 Cycle Target

USD1 Gains Major Visibility Through UFC Partnership

World Liberty Financial announced its sponsorship only days before the event. UFC later confirmed that Performance of the Night winners would receive their bonuses in USD1. According to Todd Phillips, a crypto policy expert at the Klaros Group, receiving USD1 has the same economic effect as receiving U.S. dollars.

However, publicly emphasizing stablecoin payments serves as an effective advertisement for the token while linking it to both the UFC and the White House. World Liberty Financial launched USD1 in March 2025. Since then, the stablecoin has grown into a digital asset with a market capitalization exceeding $5 billion. Additionally, USD1 operates across Ethereum, BNB Chain, TRON, and Solana, giving users access through multiple blockchain networks.

Foreign Ties Continue Drawing Congressional Attention

Meanwhile, lawmakers continue examining World Liberty Financial’s ownership structure and international business relationships. Reports indicate that a United Arab Emirates firm linked to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan acquired a 49% stake in the company through a $500 million transaction.

Another company associated with Tahnoon later used USD1 to settle a $2 billion investment involving Binance. Consequently, members of Congress opened an inquiry into potential conflicts of interest and possible national security concerns.

World Liberty Financial was co-founded in 2024 by Trump, his sons, and members of Steve Witkoff’s family. Financial disclosures reportedly show that Trump’s stake in the company is worth more than $50 million.

Crypto Venture Becomes Major Family Asset

Recent reports suggest that the Trump family’s crypto businesses have generated billions of dollars in paper gains. Moreover, World Liberty Financial has become one of the most significant sources of wealth associated with Trump and his family. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle dismissed concerns about conflicts of interest and stated that Trump’s assets remain in a trust managed by his children.

Nevertheless, UFC Freedom 250 provided USD1 with substantial public exposure while keeping World Liberty Financial at the center of ongoing political and regulatory discussions.

Also Read: Coinbase CEO Says Bitcoin Cycles Are Normal, Remains Bullish Long Term

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