Matheus Nicolau, the eighth-ranked UFC flyweight fighter, has signed an agreement to receive his future earnings in Bitcoin through the payroll service Bitwage, CryptoAdvisor learned from a press release.
With the deal signed on March 21, he becomes the first Latin American UFC athlete to take a paycheck in bitcoin.
Crypto market has seen explosive growth in South America
Nicolau, who’s originally from Brazil, is well-aware of the importance of Bitcoin. In South America, the market has seen explosive growth over the past two years as a result of inflation and other economic burdens.
Nicolau shared:
I’m thrilled to be receiving my earnings in Bitcoin. As an athlete, I work hard to earn a living for myself, but with rising inflation, I worry that this hard work goes to waste. By using Bitwage to earn bitcoin, I know that I am securing the value of my work.
Nicolau’s manager Vinícius Las Casas added:
We are very bullish on Bitcoin. We are looking to spread the Bitcoin gospel with this latest deal.
The biggest payroll company in the Bitcoin space worldwide
Las Casas will also be receiving some of his earnings in Bitcoin through Bitwage, the biggest payroll, benefits, and invoicing company in the Bitcoin space. Bitwage makes it possible for people and companies across the globe to receive their monthly wages in Bitcoin.
They are a pioneer in the industry with their lightning payroll products and Bitcoin 401k.
Bitwage CEO Jonathan Chester commented:
Working with Matheus has been a rewarding experience for us. He’s an amazing fighter with a champion mentality.
Nicolau follows in the footsteps of professional soccer players Achara Ifunanyachi and Alex Crognale, who partnered with Bitwage in a similar fashion last year.
Some of the UFC’s most highly acclaimed fighters have left the organization or opted for high-paying crossover boxing opportunities. Fighters can get paid in Bitcoin through Bitwage without needing to onboard the UFC to the service. They can enjoy peace of mind knowing their savings are secure in Bitcoin, leaving time and strength to focus on training.
Bitwage’s services have gone mainstream
Anyone can take advantage of Bitwage’s services. You register with the platform, receive a bank account number, and choose how much of your salary or wages you want to receive in Bitcoin. Finally, you give your employer the new account number.
At the moment, Nicolau is enjoying a four-fight win streak. He will face David Dvorak in Columbus, Ohio, on March 26.
