UFC fighters wake up to whole new world

UFC fighters found out Monday morning with the rest of the world about the organization’s sale to an investment group headed by WME-IMG.

Not long after a 5 a.m. news release confirming the purchase, a mass email was sent out to the entire roster informing them of the details.

Lightweight Joe Lauzon, who was victorious in his UFC 200 bout against Diego Sanchez on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena, posted the message on Twitter shortly after it hit his inbox.

“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,” the email began. “Silver Lake Partners, KKR, MSD Capital L.P., and MSD Partners L.P., will join 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 the 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.”

It went on to indicate that while Lorenzo Fertitta would be stepping down as chairman and CEO, president Dana White and the rest of the executive team would remain in place with the continued goal of growing the sport.

“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,” the email concluded.

Lauzon clarified he was fine with the method of conveyance and ready to move forward.

“There are so many fighters, I don’t mind the mass email,” he posted. “I’ve had nothing but the best experience with the UFC but excited for the future.”

UFC superstar Conor McGregor took to social media to express his gratitude for the outgoing administration.

“I am honoured to have fought under the Fertitta regime!” he posted. “To have been mentored by these great people on this great business is a true honour!”

Other fighters see the change as a chance to once again push for more equitable distribution of the organization’s revenue, particularly with the reported sale price at a staggering $4 billion.

Perfect time to change the revenue split to 46% / 54% split to be equal to the other major sports.#WeAllNeedToEat

— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) July 11, 2016

“Perfect time to change the revenue split to (closer to) 46%/54% split to be equal to the other major sports,” veteran featherweight Jeremy Stephens posted on Twitter. “#WeAllNeedToEat.”

The UFC is a private company and doesn’t disclose financial information. There is also no fighters’ association to collectively bargain for such a revenue split.

Though it has been widely rumored for some time and is still unconfirmed, the reported purchase price still made waves in the media.

Even stars of other sports took notice.

“It’s a lot of money,” Las Vegan Bryce Harper told the Review-Journal before the Home Run Derby in San Diego on Monday night. “UFC has always been in great hands. I love it. Lots of fun to watch the fights — I can’t wait for the next Conor McGregor fight, which should be incredible — and maybe with this sale, things will be even better and go even higher. We’ll have to wait and see.”

The involvement of WME-IMG, a Hollywood powerhouse, could not only open up new markets for the UFC but new opportunities outside the cage for fighters.

Veteran bantamweight Urijah Faber has grown used to changes in the sport during his 13-year professional career. The 37-year-old believes a company willing to spend so much to purchase the organization must have ideas to help it grow even more.

“The future is bright,” he said by phone of the UFC. “I think the eras have been changing over and over again. I’ve seen the end of so many eras and the end of this and the last of this and the last of that since I’ve been in this sport.

“It’s all been positive progressions and they’re not spending $4 billion to take a step back.”

Columnist Ed Graney contributed to this story. Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj