The Rapid Pace of Change in the Fight Business
The fight business is undergoing a rapid transformation, and the changes are coming so quickly that it can be difficult to keep up. In 2023 alone, there has been a flurry of activity that has felt like years of events compressed into one.
The Merger of UFC and WWE
The most notable event of the year was the merger of UFC and WWE into TKO. This union created a powerful entity in the fight business, and it was followed by a noteworthy move from Vince McMahon.
Vince McMahon Sells Stock Shares
Just weeks after the merger, Vince McMahon sold a significant amount of stock shares. This move was followed by UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden, which was supposed to be a defining moment for Jon Jones and the erasure of Francis Ngannou’s legacy following his departure to box Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Investing $100 Million
The Saudi Arabian government then made a major investment of $100 million dollars into the fight business. To top it off, the UFC announced a deal with the NFT marketplace OpenSea that would allow fans to purchase digital memorabilia and collectibles.
Conclusion
The fight business is in the midst of a period of unprecedented change, and it appears that the transformation is far from over. It will be interesting to see what other developments occur in the coming months and years.
