IMG buy UFC for four billion dollars

The WME-IMG agency has bought the Ultimate Fighting Championship for approximately $4bn, according to Dana White, the president of UFC.

Associated Press said White will stay on to run the series, with UFC’s former owners, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, retaining minority stakes, relinquishing their 81% (40.5% each) majority shares. White will also be offered shares, having previously owned 9% of the business.

It completes a remarkable turnaround for the company – White and the Fertitta brothers snapped up UFC for just $2m in 2000. The brand has gone on to become one of the most powerful sporting models in the world. 

The sale comes just after UFC 200 was held in Las Vegas. The event drew more than 18,000 fans to T-Mobile Arena and generated $10.8m in ticket sales – both record highs.

With new investment, the sport’s future is bright.