The acquisition of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) by Dana White and the Fertitta brothers stands as a pivotal moment in the history of the organization. Let’s delve into the timeline and explore when this transformative purchase took place.
In January 2001, Frank Fertitta III and Lorenzo Fertitta, along with their business partner Dana White, formed Zuffa LLC, a company aimed at revitalizing and expanding the UFC. Zuffa LLC, under the leadership of the Fertitta brothers, set out to revolutionize the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) and elevate the UFC’s standing within the combat sports landscape.
The Fertitta brothers, owners of Station Casinos, a prominent Las Vegas-based casino and entertainment company, recognized the potential in the UFC and saw an opportunity to reshape the organization’s future. With their deep pockets and business acumen, they sought to bring a new level of professionalism, marketing expertise, and financial stability to the UFC.
Shortly after the formation of Zuffa LLC, the Fertitta brothers and Dana White successfully completed the purchase of the UFC in January 2001. The exact financial details of the acquisition have not been publicly disclosed but reports estimate that the purchase price was approximately $2 million.
Dana White, who had been involved with the UFC since 2000, played a crucial role in the acquisition and was instrumental in the organization’s subsequent growth and success. Recognizing his leadership abilities and knowledge of the sport, the Fertitta brothers appointed White as the President of the UFC, a position he still holds today.
Under the new ownership, the UFC underwent a comprehensive transformation. The Fertitta brothers and Dana White worked tirelessly to implement significant changes, including the introduction of weight classes, the adoption of unified rules, and the establishment of regulatory partnerships with athletic commissions. These changes were aimed at addressing concerns over the sport’s safety and professionalism, laying the foundation for the UFC’s mainstream acceptance and expansion.
The vision and commitment of the Fertitta brothers and Dana White paid off handsomely. Through strategic marketing, television deals, and global expansion, they successfully propelled the UFC into the mainstream, captivating fans and attracting new audiences from around the world.
The Fertitta brothers and Dana White’s purchase of the UFC in January 2001 marked the beginning of a new era for the organization. Their leadership, combined with a deep understanding of the sport and a relentless drive to improve and innovate, transformed the UFC from a struggling venture into the global powerhouse it is today.
It is important to note that in August 2016, after years of remarkable growth, the Fertitta brothers and Dana White made another significant business move by selling the majority stake in the UFC to the talent agency WME-IMG (now known as Endeavor). However, their initial purchase in January 2001 marked the turning point that set the stage for the UFC’s remarkable evolution and rise to prominence.
