Under the Fertittas, UFC also swallowed up many of its competitors while pushing aggressively abroad, establishing beachheads in Europe, Asia and Australia. Backing the deal are the private equity heavyweights Silver Lake, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and the investment firm of the billionaire Michael S. Dell. But UFC has become a global sports empire — and now commands an eye-popping price tag. UFC has demonstrated enormous digital reach as well, particularly after the introduction of UFC Fight Pass streaming service in late 2013. But it was WME-IMG, which already represents stars like Rousey in media rights and has represented UFC itself, that emerged victorious.

Source: National Post July 11, 2016 06:33 UTC