The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion in the world, attracting millions of fans globally. It hosts top fighters in events watched by millions globally. But have you ever wondered who owns UFC and how it became the powerhouse it is today? Let’s dive into the details of its ownership and who controls the future of this sport.
UFC Ownership: How it Works Today
Key People and Stakeholders in UFC Ownership:-
| Entity | Ownership Stake | Role in UFC |
|---|---|---|
| Endeavor | 51% | Parent company; controls UFC through TKO |
| WWE Shareholders | 49% | Own the remaining share after UFC-WWE merger |
| Dana White | 9% | UFC President and Owner of the promotion |
1. Endeavor (51%)
Endeavor Group Holdings, a global entertainment, sports, and content company, owns the majority stake in UFC. They control 51% of the company through their subsidiary TKO Group Holdings, a company formed in 2023 after UFC merged with WWE.
Endeavor’s CEO, Ari Emanuel, has played a significant role in growing UFC’s media presence and overseeing its global operations.
2. WWE Shareholders (49%)
After UFC merged with WWE, WWE shareholders now own the remaining 49% of UFC under the new parent company TKO Group Holdings. This was a huge step in expanding the UFC’s reach in the sports and entertainment world.
3. Dana White (9%)
Dana White, UFC’s President and one of its most recognizable faces, owns approximately 9% of the company. Dana White has been pivotal in UFC’s success and continues to lead the promotion’s daily operations and global expansion.
The Growth of UFC: How it Became the Leader in MMA
UFC started in 1993 as a small, controversial fighting competition, but over the years, it has become a global sports phenomenon. In 2001, Dana White took control of UFC, and under his leadership, the promotion signed deals with major TV networks, created pay-per-view events, and helped MMA reach a global audience.
In 2016, UFC was bought by Endeavor for around $4 billion, marking a new era of financial success for the organization. By merging with WWE in 2023, UFC has cemented its place as a major player in both sports and entertainment.
Who Is Dana White?
Dana White has been President and public face of UFC since 2001. Originally owning 10% of UFC before the Fertitta brothers sold the promotion, he now retains around 9% stake in the company. Even today, he leads UFC operations under the TKO umbrella.
Dana White’s Role in UFC
Dana White has been the face of UFC for over two decades. He has led the company through many challenges, turning UFC into a billion-dollar empire. Dana White was instrumental in building UFC’s relationship with FOX, ESPN, and other networks, which helped promote MMA and increase its reach worldwide.
Dana White’s efforts also included signing top fighters like Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Ronda Rousey, whose star power helped attract a larger audience. White’s leadership continues to be one of the key drivers behind UFC’s growth.
UFC’s Business Expansion Under Endeavor
When Endeavor acquired UFC in 2016, they helped elevate the sport to new heights. The partnership with WWE in 2023 has proven to be a strategic move to boost UFC’s global presence. As part of TKO Group Holdings, UFC can benefit from WWE’s media assets, fan base, and marketing capabilities.
UFC’s Recent Financial Growth
In recent years, UFC has shown incredible financial growth. The merger with WWE valued TKO Group Holdings at approximately $21 billion. UFC’s success in securing lucrative TV deals, selling pay-per-view events, and expanding its global footprint contributed to this rise in valuation.
How the UFC Became Part of TKO
- In 2023, UFC merged with WWE under Endeavor to form TKO Group Holdings.
- Today, Endeavor owns 61.7% of TKO, while WWE shareholders hold the rest.
- Endeavor later became a private company under Silver Lake and remains the controlling owner of UFC.
FAQs
1. Who owns UFC in 2025?
UFC is now owned by TKO Group Holdings, controlled by Endeavor (51%) and WWE shareholders (49%).
2. Does Dana White still own part of UFC?
Yes, Dana White retains 9% ownership of UFC and continues as the president.
3. How much did Endeavor pay for UFC?
In 2016, Endeavor acquired UFC for around $4 billion.
4. Who owns WWE and UFC?
The WWE shareholders now hold 49% of UFC after the 2023 merger with WWE under TKO Group Holdings, while Endeavor controls 51%.
5. Is UFC a publicly traded company?
UFC is not directly public. It is part of TKO Group Holdings, which is privately owned by Endeavor and WWE shareholders.
UFC is now part of a huge global entertainment group (TKO), increasing its financial strength and reach. With Endeavor/Silver Lake in control, UFC has strong backing to grow its media rights, events, and global influence. Dana White’s continued leadership ensures the UFC spirit and brand remain consistent.
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