Leading up to UFC 200, UFC execs Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White did whatever they could to kill rumors of a UFC sale. With what they hoped would become the biggest PPV event in the company’s history coming up, they wanted no distractions, and the leaks being reported by FloSports’ Jeremy Botter were “one of the most disruptive things to ever go on in the history of the company.”
But now that UFC 200 is over, the big announcement has come. We learned about it on Sunday night and now UFC fighters have gotten the official word from the company in the form of this email shared by fighter Joe Lauzon (full transcription below):
That makes it official. https://t.co/whBUODcXaP pic.twitter.com/C0liWVOpqD
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) July 11, 2016
Dear Athletes
We are writing to personally advise you of a change to UFC. Renowned entertainment, sports and fashion giant WME-IMG has entered into an agreement to acquire UFC. Silver Lake Partners, KKR, MSD capital, L.P. and MSD Partners, L.P. will joing WME-IMG as new strategic investors. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
From the moment Zuffa, LLC purchased UFC over 15 years ago, you, the athletes, have always been the central focus of the promotion. That will not change. WME-IMG, who has been involved with UFC for many years, is focused on the continued global expansion of mixed martial arts and committed to further promoting you on the global stage.
Upon closing of the deal, Lorenzo Fertitta will be stepping down as Chairman and CEO of the organization, however Lorenzo and Frank will retain a minority ownership interest in the business. UFC President Dana White will continue in his role and will also retain a minority ownership interest.
The organization’s leadership, a team of great executives hand picked to help lead the business, will remain in place to carry on their work and continue to lead the team of dedicated employees who promote your careers as mixed martial arts athletes.
You remain a very important part of a highly driven, dedicated and motivated organization that will continue to deliver world-class experiences and opportunities for you as athletes and for the greatest fans in the world.
Thank you,
The Zuffa executive team
There are so many fighters, I don’t mind the mass email. I’ve had nothing but the best experience with the @UFC but excited for the future.
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) July 11, 2016
Biggest takeaway at the moment on this historic day for MMA: UFC fighters are worth more than we all thought. Hope they realize that, too.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 11, 2016
I am honoured to have fought under the Fertitta regime! To have been mentored by these great people on this great business is a true honour!
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 11, 2016
You can read more about the companies that bought the UFC here, along with more reactions from UFC fighters and the press here. We’ll continue to keep you up to date on all the developments and news regarding this historic UFC sale through the coming hours, days and weeks.