The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a publicly traded mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It is recognized globally as the premier MMA organization, producing top-tier fight cards, pay-per-view events, and global tours.
Founded in 1993 by Art Davie and Rorion Gracie, UFC has grown into a multi-billion dollar brand with worldwide media deals, merchandising, and an extensive roster of fighters. As of October 2025, it operates under the parent company TKO Group Holdings, and is led by Dana White, who serves as UFC President and CEO.
Ownership Status of UFC
There is no single private owner of UFC. Since the company is now a part of TKO Group Holdings, Inc., ownership is distributed among institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders of TKO. Endeavor Group Holdings (WME-IMG) remains the majority controlling shareholder of TKO, which includes UFC and WWE under its portfolio.
Major Shareholders (of TKO Group Holdings)
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Endeavor Group Holdings | Majority stake (control) | Parent company of WME; majority control of TKO and, therefore, UFC. |
| Dana White | ~9% (minority stake) | UFC President, retained equity from earlier Zuffa ownership. |
| Institutional Investors | Variable | Public shareholders via TKO stock (mutual funds, ETFs, and individuals). |
Note: Remaining shares are held by institutional and retail investors through TKO stock trading.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- Endeavor Group Holdings became majority owner after acquiring UFC in 2016 for $4.025 billion and later consolidating ownership in 2021.
- Dana White continues as President and CEO of UFC, holding a minority equity stake and being the face of the company’s operations.
- TKO Group Holdings was formed in 2023 through a merger of UFC and WWE, creating a new sports and entertainment powerhouse.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- In September 2023, UFC merged with WWE under TKO Group Holdings, with Endeavor retaining majority control.
- In March 2025, reports confirmed that Endeavor was moving toward a $25 billion private deal, consolidating its control over UFC and WWE under TKO.
- UFC’s media rights also saw a major update in August 2025, with a 7-year, $7.7 billion deal with Paramount/Skydance, further cementing UFC’s position as a top global sports property.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of UFC?
UFC is owned by TKO Group Holdings, which is majority controlled by Endeavor Group Holdings. Dana White holds a minority stake and serves as UFC President.
2. Is UFC publicly traded or privately owned?
UFC itself is not separately traded. However, its parent company TKO Group Holdings is publicly traded, giving indirect ownership to institutional and retail shareholders.
3. Who founded UFC?
The UFC was founded in 1993 by Art Davie and Rorion Gracie.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. In 2023, UFC merged with WWE to form TKO Group Holdings, controlled by Endeavor. In 2025, Endeavor began a privatization deal valued at $25 billion, strengthening its control.
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