The MMAAA issued an “urgent news” statement as it appears that lawyers in the UFC antitrust lawsuit have issued a “cease and desist” letter from signing up fighters from joining the organization. The statement was issued by Jim Quinn and Eric Hochstadt, outside counsel for the Mixed Martial Arts Association: As Georges St-Pierre, Donald Cerrone, […]
Emmanuel and Whitesell No. 4 on SBJ’s Most Influential in Sports Business for 2016
WME-IMG’s Ari Emmanuel and Patrick Whitesell have made Sports Business Journal’s Most Influential People in Sports Business for 2016. Emmanuel and Whitesell are key members of the new ownership group for the UFC. SBJ noted the ascension of these two (last year they were No. 12 on the list) but noted the following in choosing […]
Ali Act sponsor claims UFC attempted to influence witness list of congressional hearing
Bloody Elbow reports that the UFC threatened not to participate at a Congressional subcommittee hearing on MMA and the possible expansion of the Ali Act set for Thursday. The power play was due to Randy Couture’s participation as a witness at the hearing. According to the bill’s sponsor, Republican congressman Markwayne Mullin, the UFC attempted […]
TUF 24 Finale draws 1.032M viewers, Prelims 887K
The Ultimate Fighter Finale on FS1 Saturday drew 1.032 million viewers per Sports TV Ratings. The Prelims drew 887,000 viewers. The main card aired from 10:00-1:32am on FS1 and featured Demetrious Johnson successfully defending his title against TUF 24 winner Tim Elliott. The main card drew 531,000 viewers in the adult 18-49 category per Sports […]
UFC names new CFO
The UFC has announced that Andrew Schleimer will take over as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the company. He replaces Nakisa Bidarian who will be leaving at the end of December to join Frank Fertitta III and Lorenzo Fertitta in new investment vehicle for the Fertittas. Via UFC.com: Most recently, Schleimer served as EVP […]