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| Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) |
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the world’s biggest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. From humble beginnings in 1993 to becoming a billion-dollar empire, the UFC has transformed combat sports into a global phenomenon.
Whether you’re a casual fan or someone curious about “what is UFC”, “UFC rules”, or “how to watch UFC fights, this complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know:
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What Is the UFC?
The UFC is the leading MMA promotion company, hosting fights that bring together the best martial artists from around the globe. Fighters compete inside the UFC’s trademark eight-sided cage known as The Octagon. With events broadcast in over 170 countries and a fan base reaching hundreds of millions, the UFC has become a global sports powerhouse.
Quick Facts:
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Founded: 1993
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Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada
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Sport: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
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CEO: Dana White
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Parent Company: TKO Group Holdings (UFC + WWE)
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| Ultimate Fighting Championship |
UFC Ownership and Business Power
The UFC’s ownership story is fascinating:
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In 2016, the Fertitta brothers sold UFC to WME-IMG (now Endeavor) for $4 billion.
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In 2023, Endeavor merged UFC with WWE to form TKO Group Holdings, a publicly traded company.
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Today, Dana White continues to lead as CEO, ensuring the UFC keeps its aggressive growth path.
The UFC makes money through multiple sources:
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Media rights and broadcasting deals
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Pay-Per-View (PPV) sales
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Sponsorships and brand partnerships (e.g., Venum, Monster Energy)
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Live event ticket sales
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UFC Fight Pass and digital content
UFC Rules & Regulations
The UFC operates under the Unified Rules of MMA, which ensures safety and fair competition.
Key UFC Rules:
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Rounds: 3 rounds for normal fights, 5 rounds for title and main events.
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Scoring: 10-point must system (winner gets 10, opponent 9 or less).
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Fouls include: eye pokes, headbutts, groin strikes, 12-to-6 elbows, cage grabbing, and biting.
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Weight Classes: Fighters compete in divisions from men’s flyweight (125 lbs) to heavyweight (265 lbs), and women’s strawweight (115 lbs) to featherweight (145 lbs).
This structured rule system, enforced by athletic commissions, has made UFC fights safer and more professional compared to early MMA days.
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Health, Safety, and Anti-Doping
Fighter health is a top priority. All UFC athletes undergo medical checks before and after fights.
In 2024, the UFC launched a new Anti-Doping Program in partnership with Drug Free Sport International (DFSI). This ensures fighters compete clean, maintaining the integrity of the sport.
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| Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) |
The Octagon and UFC Facilities
The UFC’s Octagon® is a registered trademark and one of the most recognizable symbols in sports. It provides a safe, controlled environment for fighters.
Beyond the fight cage, UFC invests in athlete development through:
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UFC Performance Institute (Las Vegas, Shanghai, Mexico City): State-of-the-art training and recovery centers.
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UFC APEX (Las Vegas): A modern facility for hosting live events and production.
UFC Media Rights: How to Watch in 2025 and Beyond
For fans wondering “Where can I watch UFC?”, here’s the latest:
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Until 2025: UFC fights in the U.S. are available on ESPN and ESPN+ (with PPV events).
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From 2026 onwards: A landmark $7.7 billion deal will make Paramount+ and CBS the new home of UFC in the U.S.
This shift means easier access for fans, with big events streaming on Paramount+ and select fights airing on CBS television.
UFC Global Reach
The UFC is truly global, with fighters from more than 80 countries. Events have been held everywhere—from the U.S. to Abu Dhabi, London, Rio de Janeiro, and beyond.
By 2025, UFC broadcasts reach over 900 million TV households worldwide, making it one of the most-watched sports brands on Earth.
Why UFC Dominates the Combat Sports World
Unlike boxing or traditional martial arts, the UFC brings together different fighting styles—boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and Muay Thai—under one roof. This diversity makes every fight unpredictable, exciting, and unique.
Add to that world-class production, star power, and global expansion, and it’s easy to see why the UFC dominates the MMA landscape.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has grown from a small tournament in 1993 into the global leader of Mixed Martial Arts. With a strong business model, global fan base, and upcoming broadcasting revolution in 2026, UFC’s future looks brighter than ever.
If you’re passionate about combat sports, following the UFC in 2025 means witnessing not only thrilling fights but also the evolution of one of the world’s most powerful sports brands.
FAQs About UFC
Q1: Is UFC the same as MMA?
No. MMA is the sport, while the UFC is the largest organization that promotes MMA fights.
Q2: How can I watch UFC fights in 2025?
Currently on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S., but starting 2026, UFC moves to Paramount+ and CBS.
Q3: Who owns the UFC?
The UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings, a merger of UFC and WWE under Endeavor.
Q4: What are the basic UFC rules?
Three to five rounds, the 10-point must scoring system, and fouls such as eye pokes, groin strikes, and illegal elbows are banned.
Q5: Who are the biggest UFC stars in 2025?
Fighters like Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev, Jon Jones, Sean O’Malley, and Alexa Grasso are among the top names.