UFC Group
The UFC Group (likely referring to the Ultimate Fighting Championship and its parent company) is a global sports entertainment company primarily known for its promotion of mixed martial arts (MMA) events. Founded in 1993, the UFC has grown to become the dominant force in the MMA industry, showcasing a wide variety of fighters across multiple weight classes.
The organization's operations encompass event production, television broadcasting, streaming services (such as UFC Fight Pass), pay-per-view sales, merchandise, and licensing. UFC events are held worldwide, attracting large live audiences and significant viewership on television and online platforms.
The UFC establishes and enforces rules for its fights, including weight classes, allowed and prohibited techniques, and judging criteria. Its ruleset, known as the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, has been adopted by many other MMA promotions and athletic commissions.
The UFC's growth has been fueled by strategic acquisitions, including rival promotions such as World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and Strikeforce. It has also benefited from high-profile athletes who have crossed over into mainstream popularity.
The UFC's ownership structure has evolved over time. Originally owned by Semaphore Entertainment Group (SEG), it was acquired by Zuffa, LLC in 2001, which was then led by Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta and Dana White. In 2016, Zuffa was sold to WME-IMG (now Endeavor), a global entertainment, sports, and content company. Dana White continues to serve as the UFC's president.