The UFC’s Zuffa era could soon be coming to an end.
According to a detailed report from ESPN’s Darren Rovell, the UFC’s owners “are in advanced talks to sell the business.”
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Snowden was first to mention the mixed martial arts organization’s possible sale back in March.
Dalian Wanda Group, China’s largest commercial property company and the world’s largest cinema chain operator, is believed to be the frontrunner. WME/IMG, The Blackstone Group and China Media Capital have also put in bids for the world’s top MMA promotion.
Zuffa LLC, the UFC’s parent company, purchased the organization in 2001 for a mere $2 million. Its current valuation, according to Rovell’s sources, is between $3.5 billion and $4 billion.
Brothers Lorenzo Fertitta and Frank Fertitta own 81 per cent of Zuffa LLC (40.5 per cent each). UFC president Dana White holds a nine per cent stake in the company while Abu Dhabi government-owned entertainment promotion company Flash Entertainment owns 10 per cent.
According to Forbes, Dalian Wanda Group chairman Wang Jianlin is the richest man in China and worth roughly $35 billion.
The UFC is not commenting on the report.
“As a private company, we don’t discuss speculation or rumors related to our business,” UFC senior VP of public relations Dave Sholler said in a statement.
