The UFC was bought for $2,000,000 in 2000. Then the company lost tens of millions before taking a gamble on The Ultimate Fighter. The Finale between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar was so transcendently amazing the world began to wake up to MMA. 

Now the company has sold for $4,000,000,000 or so, the largest sale in sports history.

A memo was recently sent out to fighters, copied in full below:

Dear Athletes,

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. 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 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.

Upon closing of the deal, Lorenzo Fertitta will be stepping down as Chairman and CEO of the organization, however, Lorenzo and Frank will retain a minority ownership interest in the business. UFC President Dana White will continue in his role and will also retain a minority ownership interest.

The organization’s leadership, a team of great executives hand-picked to help lead the business, will remain in place to carry on their work and continue to lead the team of dedicated employees who promote your careers as mixed martial arts athletes.

You remain a very important part of a highly driven, dedicated and motivated organization that will continue to deliver wold-class experience and opportunities for you as athletes and for the greatest fans in the world.

Thank you,

The Zuffa executive team