Who Owns The UFC?

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UFC is owned by TKO Group Holdings, which is a majority-owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings.

Founded: November 1993
Country of origin: USA
Owner: TKO Group Holdings
Type of Company: Division
Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Website: www.ufc.com

UFC is a pioneer in Mixed Martial Arts, and is the largest MMA organization in the world. It merged with WWE to form TKO Group Holdings in 2023, which again is a majority-owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings.

Table of contents

Previous Ownership:

  • 1993: Founded by Art Davie and Rorion Gracie. Initially owned by Semaphore Entertainment Group (SEG).
  • 2001: Sold to Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, who formed Zuffa, LLC to operate UFC. Dana White appointed as president.
  • 2016: Zuffa, LLC sold to a group led by Endeavor (formerly WME–IMG) for US$4.025 billion.
  • 2021: Endeavor buys out other owners of Zuffa at a valuation of $1.7 billion.
  • 2023: Merged with WWE to form TKO Group Holdings

Key People:

  • Ari Emmanuel: CEO of TKO
  • Vince McMahon: Executive Chairman, TKO
  • Dana White: President and CEO of UFC

Products and Services:

  • Home video
  • Live events
  • Merchandise
  • Publishing
  • Streaming network service
  • TV
  • Licensing

Market Position:

As of 2023, the UFC is the largest MMA organization in the world. It has significant mainstream media coverage compared to its competitors, essentially creating a moat to the competition.

Key Competitors:

One Championship

One Championship is arguably the largest MMA promotion in Asia, which additionally promotes fights in other martial arts, such as Muay Thai and kickboxing. One Championship broadcasts on open channels, unlike the UFC, which relies on the Pay-per View model.

PFL (Professional Fighters League)

The Professional Fighters League has grown significantly as of late, and with the investment from Saudi Arabia, they look like they are willing to take on the UFC in the American market particularly. Signings such as UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou has sparked a lot of interest in the organization, and with Jake Paul also making his way to the company, UFC might have a real competitor on their hands for the first time in a long while.

In November of 2023, PFL bought the second largest organization in America, Bellator MMA, which really shows their intent on becoming a serious contender to the UFC.

Assets owned by UFC:

  • UFC Apex
  • UFC Fight Pass
  • UFC Performance Institute

The History of UFC

Early Years and Foundation (1993):

  • Origin: UFC was established to determine the most effective martial art in a minimal-rules contest, featuring styles like Karate, Boxing, Sumo, and Kickboxing. Royce Gracie emerged victorious with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the first event.
  • No-Rules Era: Initially, UFC had very few rules, allowing actions like headbutts, hair-pulling, and groin strikes. This lack of regulation led to difficulties in gaining network coverage.
  • Regulation and Evolution: Significant changes in rules and regulations were introduced over time, shaping the modern form of mixed martial arts​​.

The Zuffa Era (Early 2000s):

  • Acquisition by Fertitta Brothers and Dana White: Semaphore Entertainment Group (SEG), facing bankruptcy, sold UFC to the Fertitta brothers and Dana White for $2.1 million.
  • Turnaround and Growth: With Lorenzo Fertitta’s expertise and Dana White’s leadership, UFC saw gradual growth. UFC 40 marked a significant success, saving the company from bankruptcy and drawing major media attention.
  • The Ultimate Fighter Reality Show: Launched on Spike TV, this reality show played a crucial role in popularizing UFC, especially the first season finale fight between Forrest Griffin and Stephen Bonnar.
  • Media Partnerships: UFC signed a seven-year deal with Fox in 2011, significantly boosting its exposure and commercial success​​.

Inclusion of Women Fighters and Star Power (2012 onwards):

  • Introduction of Women Fighters: In 2012, UFC signed Strikeforce champion Ronda Rousey, marking the inclusion of women fighters. Rousey became a major draw for the organization.
  • Emergence of Conor McGregor: Conor McGregor’s debut in the same year brought immense popularity and viewership, elevating UFC’s profile further.
  • Impact of Star Fighters: The presence of star fighters like Rousey, McGregor, and Brock Lesnar significantly enhanced UFC’s appeal and success​​.

Expansion and Media Deals:

  • Sale to WME-IMG (2016): UFC was sold for $4.025 billion to WME-IMG, reflecting its massive growth and value.
  • Partnership with ESPN: After the Fox deal, UFC partnered with ESPN, elevating its production quality and public perception. Additionally, sponsorship deals, like the one with Reebok transitioning to Venum, highlighted UFC’s growing market influence​​.

Modern Era and Global Dominance:

  • As of 2023, UFC stands as the largest MMA promotion in the world, with over 600 events held. Under Dana White’s leadership, it has transformed into a global multi-billion-dollar enterprise​​.
  • The recent merger in 2023 with WWE to form TKO Group Holdings, with Vince McMahon as the Executive Chairman and Dana White continuing as UFC president, marks the latest evolution in its storied history​​.