Here’s The Letter UFC Sent To Fighters And Some Of Their Reactions To The Company’s Sale

With the UFC finally officially being sold for over $4 billion, just as had been reported it would be, they had some explainging to do to those who toil in the Octagon for them.

Mainly, they needed to let the fighters know what it all meant to them moving forward under completely different ownership.

One of their fighters, Joe Lauzon, shared the letter that he received from the UFC that detailed a little bit of what he and others like him can expect going forward.

It reads…

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 joing 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 world-class experiences and opportunities for you as athletes and for the greatest fans in the world.

Thank you,
The Zuffa executive team

As one would expect, news of this magnitude was met with a wide range of reactions by fighters both in and outside of the UFC.

This tweet by UFC President Dana White, however, I think sums the entire transaction the best…

Now Watch: A Time Line Of Brock Lesnar Returning To The UFC

H/T Uproxx, BJPenn.com