Zuffa - UFC/MMA
Zuffa LLC (which means "fight" in Italian) was founded by brothers Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta III along with Dana White in 2001 to acquire the UFC for $2 million. The Fertittas invested tens of millions in the early years when the UFC was losing money, before The Ultimate Fighter turned the organization's fortunes around. Under Zuffa, the UFC achieved regulation in all 50 states, expanded globally, and acquired competitors like Pride FC, Strikeforce, and WEC. In 2016, Zuffa sold the UFC to WME-IMG for $4 billion.
Zuffa
Zuffa's decision to invest $10 million in the production of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005, when the UFC was losing money, was the bet that changed everything. The investment paid off tremendously, transforming the UFC from a money-losing organization into a billion-dollar machine.
Zuffa & Fertitta Brothers
The Fertitta brothers were the owners of Zuffa and the primary financiers of the UFC. Their capital from the casino industry allowed the UFC to survive its early struggles and invest in the organization's growth. Fertitta Brothers.
FAQ - Zuffa
Why is the company called Zuffa?
Zuffa is an Italian word that means "fight" or "brawl." The Fertitta brothers, of Italian descent, chose this name for the company that would manage the UFC, an organization dedicated to combat.
What happened to Zuffa after the sale of the UFC?
After the sale to WME-IMG in 2016 for $4 billion, Zuffa ceased to exist as an operational entity. The Fertitta brothers cashed out their share of the sale, while Dana White retained a minority stake and the role of president.
