In a startling development, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) have announced that they will merge to create a $21.4bn sports entertainment organization. This news comes just a few hours after the conclusion of WrestleMania 39.
Today, @Endeavor announced it has signed an agreement to form a $21+ billion global live sports and entertainment company made up of @UFC and @WWE. https://t.co/lPrkBmKJXm pic.twitter.com/ZBk95c5exU
— Endeavor (@Endeavor) April 3, 2023
The UFC is hands down the biggest promotion for Mixed Martial Arts or combat sports whereas WWE has no competition in the world of sports entertainment or pro wrestling. Now with the merging of these two giants, no one right now even knows what to expect.
According to various reports, a new publicly traded company will house UFC and WWE brands, with Endeavor Group Holdings Inc (UFC’s owners) taking a 51 percent controlling interest in the new company while existing WWE shareholders will get a 49 percent stake.
Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel in a statement said, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring together two leading pureplay sports and entertainment companies that operate in the most attractive parts of the media ecosystem,”.
He further added, “This is going to be UFC 2.0.” Worth mentioning that the newly formed company will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘TKO’.
How did Conor McGregor react to this groundbreaking news?
Reacting to the shocking and exciting announcement, ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor in a tweet said, “Congrats to the UFC now worth a cool Proper $12bn. Wow! Endeavor bout to scoop the WWE now also. Incredible. What a powerhouse!”
Congrats to the @ufc now worth a cool Proper $12bn. Wow! Endeavor bout to scoop the @WWE now also. Incredible. What a powerhouse!
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 2, 2023
McGregor even comically posted a picture of him holding the UFC and WWE championship belts simultaneously. The 34-year-old is currently preparing for his comeback inside the octagon after nearly two years.
McGregor has been out of the fight game due to a nasty leg injury he suffered back in July 2021. ‘The Notorious’ is expected to square off against top lightweight contender, Michael Chandler in the second half of this year.
🇮🇪 @wwe, @ufc, @TheMacLife 🇺🇸 #itsinevitable pic.twitter.com/4m75uwZr23
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 2, 2023
What do you think about the WWE purchase? Let us know inside the comment section below!
