The Ultimate Fighting Championship is one of the biggest combat sports promotions right now. However, there was a period in the early 2000s during which the company almost shut down. At the time, the UFC was only worth $2 million. In an interview, Dana White, CEO of the promotion, made a surprising revelation, claiming that Vince McMahon almost came close to buying the UFC.
While speaking on Big Boy TV, the promoter detailed the story behind buying the MMA sport brand. According to White, almost everybody doubted the 2001 acquisition by Zuffa, questioning the ‘risk’. Moreover, despite the relatively low value of UFC at the time, nobody was willing to buy the promotion. Interestingly, one of the names who emerged as candidates at the time was none other than WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
Vince McMahon, his son Shane wanted to buy the UFC. Vince had the opportunity to buy it, and Vince said, 'Na, we're not going to buy it.Dana White via Big Boy TV
In the end, the latter revealed that it worked out well for him and Zuffa. Without a doubt, the success of the UFC wouldn’t be possible without Dana White.
As it would turn out, the Vince McMahon-led promotion, WWE, and the UFC would end up merging under TKO Group Holdings. Some fans pointed out how the 78-year-old couldn’t have replicated White’s success if he had bought the MMA company. Furthermore, McMahon’s other acquisition in the same year, the XFL, turned out to be a financial disaster.
WWE talent are more loyal to Triple H than Vince McMahon: Reports
WWE is arguably at its peak at the moment. As each week passes by, the company has shattered several attendance and gate records. Needless to say, this kick-started when Triple H gained creative control last year after Vince McMahon ‘retired’ due to hush money allegations. After the Endeavor deal, it was confirmed that Ari Emanuel handed full control to the wrestling legend.
Recently, Dave Meltzer reported on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter about how talent feels about the ordeal. The journalist said:
Much of the talent, certainly most of whom we’ve heard from, felt it was better when McMahon wasn’t involved and were loyal to Levesque.
Previously, rumors spread that backstage morale drastically improved after Triple H came into power. Furthermore, it is evident that stars are enjoying themselves on television, with many wrestlers breaking through on the main roster as well.
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