Zuffa
| Company type | Private (subsidiary) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports promotion, Mixed martial arts |
| Founded | January 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Founder | Frank Fertitta III, Lorenzo Fertitta |
| Headquarters | Las Vegas , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Dana White (UFC President) |
| Owner | Endeavor (parent company) |
| Parent | TKO Group Holdings |
TKO Operating Company, LLC (commonly known as Zuffa ()) is a U.S.-based sports promotion firm focused on mixed martial arts. Established in January 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada, by Station Casinos leaders Frank Fertitta III and Lorenzo Fertitta, it became the holding company for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after purchasing it from Semaphore Entertainment Group.
In 2016, Zuffa was bought by a group led by WME-IMG (now Endeavor), alongside investors such as Silver Lake Partners, KKR, and MSD Capital, for $4.025 billion. Post-acquisition, the Zuffa name was phased out in broadcasts in favor of UFC branding, though it remained the official corporate name.
In April 2023, Endeavor revealed plans to merge UFC with the professional wrestling company WWE, creating a new publicly traded entity named TKO Group Holdings. This new company, predominantly owned by Endeavor, replaced Zuffa as UFC’s parent organization. Vince McMahon took on the role of executive chairman, while Dana White remained UFC president. The merger finalized on September 12, 2023. Legally operating as TKO Operating Company, Zuffa continues to hold copyright rights for UFC events as a subsidiary of TKO.
By June 2025, TKO reintroduced the "Zuffa" brand to launch a boxing promotion called Zuffa Boxing in collaboration with Sela.
Flash Entertainment
On January 12, 2010, Zuffa sold a 10% minority interest to Flash Entertainment, an entity owned by the Abu Dhabi government. This transaction resulted in ownership shares of 40.5% each for CEO Lorenzo Fertitta and his brother Frank Fertitta III, 10% for Flash Entertainment, and 9% held by Dana White. Flash Entertainment was founded in 2008 under Abu Dhabi's Executive Affairs Authority.
Ubisoft
In December 2010, Zuffa initiated a trademark infringement lawsuit against video game publisher Ubisoft concerning the packaging of Fighters Uncaged, alleging unauthorized use of the phrase "Ultimate Fighting," which resembled UFC trademarks. Ubisoft did not issue a public statement regarding the matter, and by August 2011, both sides reached an agreement resolving the dispute.
Lone Survivor Foundation
In May 2011, Zuffa hosted a charity auction presenting over 100 signed UFC memorabilia items—including hats, T-shirts, MMA gloves, and DVDs—to support the Lone Survivor Foundation. Bidding prices varied from $50 up to several thousand dollars.
Cleveland Clinic
In February 2014, Zuffa partnered with leading combat sports organizations to back a brain injury research project carried out by the Cleveland Clinic. This effort involved MMA and boxing bodies along with U.S. Senators to promote studies focusing on brain health among fighters. The initiative underscored the industry's dedication to athlete safety and long-term neurological wellness. Continuing this commitment, in February 2016, Zuffa contributed $1 million to the Ruvo Center to advance ongoing brain trauma research.
Sale to Endeavor and integration with WWE
In May 2016, it was reported that Goldman Sachs was facilitating the sale of Zuffa’s controlling interest in the UFC, with offers estimated between $3.5 billion and $4 billion. Although UFC President Dana White initially dismissed the prospect of a sale, he later acknowledged that bids reaching $4 billion would be seriously considered. By June, two proposals close to $4.1 billion were reportedly presented by WME-IMG and China Media Capital.
On July 11, 2016, Zuffa officially announced the transfer of its majority ownership to a consortium led by WME-IMG for $4.2 billion. Dana White retained his role as UFC President and secured an equity stake in the newly formed entity, while Flash Entertainment from Abu Dhabi maintained its 10% ownership. In 2017, WME-IMG rebranded itself as Endeavor. Endeavor went public on the New York Stock Exchange in April 2021 and utilized the capital raised through its IPO to acquire full control of Zuffa by purchasing remaining shares for $1.7 billion.
In early 2023, following a scandal involving WWE owner Vince McMahon, WWE considered a potential sale. By April 2023, Endeavor and WWE declared a merger that resulted in the creation of TKO Group Holdings, a publicly traded company with Endeavor holding majority ownership. Vince McMahon assumed the position of executive chairman, Nick Khan was appointed WWE president, and Dana White continued as UFC president. The merger was completed on September 12, 2023.