Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta purchased UFC in 2001, then a struggling mixed martial arts promotion, for $2 million. Since then, the company has grown by leaps and bounds. Recently, the Fertittas sold the company to Hollywood-based talent company WME-IMG for $4 billion.
To help finance this deal, they brought in some of the biggest names from the glamour, entertainment, and sporting world; and today we shall introduce you to some of them!
Of course, it won’t be for the first time, since most of these celebrities are all renowned household names.
However, it may come as a shock to you that some of these celebrities are not just MMA fans, but are owners of the world’s leading Mixed Martial Arts promotion. Enough talk... it's showtime!
#10 Maria Sharapova
You may know Maria Sharapova from her chequered tennis career. If you’re a young adolescent male, you probably also know her from her sizzling modelling assignments. While we’re all aware of this gorgeous Russian’s accolades on the court, did you know that she is one of the celebrity owners of UFC as well?
Also read: MMA News: UFC officially sold to WME-IMG for $4 billion
Sharapova has invested $35 million in UFC shares. However, unlike the other co-owners, she refuses to be part of UFC’s events and activities and chooses to watch from the sidelines. Is this to avert controversy as she currently serves an anti-doping violation suspension for the use of Meldonium?
Did you know an ex-boyfriend of Sharapova's is also a stakeholder in UFC? Well, that man is the next name in our countdown.
#9 Adam Levine
Yes, Adam Levine and Maria Sharapova were dating when she was 18, and he broke up with her citing issues with the relationship.
Before we get distracted, Adam Levine has invested $22 Million in the mixed martial arts promotion. It is a well-known fact that he's been a major UFC fan for many years now and in his own words- “Watching UFC makes me realise what a total pussy I am”. Well, this love (for UFC) has taken its toll on him...
Sorry, we’ll stop quoting Maroon 5 and move on to the next name on our list.
#8 Anthony Kiedis
Let's go from one celebrity rock star to another. Anthony Kiedis is the vocalist of the highly popular alternative/funk band Red Hot Chili Peppers, He's also a major goofball, having shown up at UFC 202 to watch Conor McGregor fight Nate Diaz, and acting like a nutjob in the process.
When the camera swung to him, he ate an apple in a rather strange manner (video linked below). In any case, Kiedis is in love with MMA and UFC; and has hence has invested $17 million in company shares. TJ Dillashaw also comes out to RHCP songs at UFC events.
#7 Flea
How can a bassist allow a vocalist to steal the spotlight? Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, known for his funky grooves to fans is one of the majority stakeholders in UFC too.
Having invested $15 million in shares, this man, known both for inspiring many aspiring bassists as well as playing naked in concerts; is a huge UFC fan.
With two members of the same band investing in the same brand, it's safe to say that RHCP ‘can’t stop’. Maybe Dana White can book a fight between the two band members someday, should they ever have a falling out.
#6 Conan O’ Brien
Conan O'Brien has been very vocal about his love for UFC and has brought many icons from the octagon such as Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz to his talk show.
After he broke the news of his ownership, O’Brien joked that he would enter the octagon to face fellow Irishman Conor McGregor, followed by Ronda Rousey and Maria Sharapova and then his memorial service will be held soon after.
He also joked about how he owns some $40 million dollars worth of shares when in reality our sources indicate that it's more like $25 million. He’s not the only talk show host who digs UFC though.
#5 Jimmy Kimmel
Many believe that Jimmy Kimmel has emulated Conan O’Brien at every single step. Little wonder then, that he’s also one of the major stakeholders in UFC at $19 million.
What none can dispute is that he’s a huge UFC fan, who has invited fighters like Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, Nate Diaz and even UFC President Dana White to his show in the past.
Conor McGregor once informed Kimmel on air- “You talk to people for lots of money. I beat people up for lots of money.”
#4 Ben Affleck
Yes, Batman loves UFC too. We mean this quite literally. Ben Affleck, who is perhaps best known for playing The Dark Knight, incorporates elements from UFC during fight sequences as Batman, to make the scenes look realistic.
While he's not one of the major stakeholders, owning just $5 million in company shares, he's certainly one of the most renowned names in the list. He's not the only Hollywood star who totally loves the octagon, though.
#3 Sylvester Stallone
Recently, Stallone brought in Ronda Rousey to play a part in The Expendables 3. The same man who popularised combat sports, with his portrayal of Rocky, now owns a share in the UFC.
Stallone is one of the top stakeholders, actually owning $40 million worth of shares (unlike O’Brien who was just kidding about the same). In his own words, ‘Rocky' would have been a waterboy in the UFC.
#2 Mark Wahlberg
You may know Mark Wahlberg from a variety of Hollywood roles, including the portrayal of Mickey Ward in ‘The Fighter’. Did you know that he owns $45 million worth of UFC shares too?
This old roomie of Dana White has a close association with UFC, both as a fan and as a friend to WME-IMG head Ari Emanuel, according to an article in Forbes Magazine. The Fighter is currently very much a part of the fight business.
#1 Venus & Serena Williams
Cumulatively, the sisters own $125 million in UFC shares with Venus owning $50 million and Serena owning $75 million worth of the UFC.
They ruled the tennis court with their skills and talent. Now, they’re all set to rule the business world with this wise decision. UFC is a brand that is ever growing in popularity. Each of these celebrity owners know that they have bet on a definite winner, certain to yield returns.
All of these men and women have attained success in life. So picking a winner for them wasn't too difficult.
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