In Depth With Graham Bensinger Season 5 Episode 11 Lorenzo Fertitta: Buying the UFC, Fighter Pay & Safety

Lorenzo Fertitta, one of the co-owners of the UFC, sits down with Graham Bensinger on this episode of In Depth to discuss the behind-the-scenes of buying the UFC, fighter pay, and safety.

Fertitta starts by sharing the story of how he and his brother, Frank, bought the UFC in 2001 for $2 million. At the time, the UFC was not profitable, had a negative reputation, and was struggling to gain mainstream acceptance. Fertitta shares how they were able to turn the organization around by implementing new rules, introducing weight classes, and investing heavily in marketing and production.

Bensinger then shifts the conversation to fighter pay, a topic that has been a source of controversy in the UFC for years. Fertitta is candid about the challenges of balancing fighter compensation with the financial realities of running a business. He explains how the UFC pays fighters a percentage of its revenue, with top performers earning millions of dollars per fight. Fertitta also discusses how the UFC's partnership with Reebok has impacted fighter pay, arguing that the deal has been a net positive for most fighters.

The conversation then turns to fighter safety, an issue that has become increasingly important in recent years. Fertitta discusses the steps the UFC has taken to make the sport safer, including implementing new rules, increasing medical staff on-site, and providing fighters with comprehensive medical insurance. Fertitta also addresses the criticism that some fighters have suffered long-term brain damage as a result of their careers in the UFC. He argues that while the UFC takes fighter safety seriously, there is still much to learn about the long-term effects of head trauma.

Throughout the conversation, Fertitta is thoughtful, engaging, and unafraid to tackle even the most difficult questions. He shares inside insights that only someone with his level of experience can provide and provides an insightful perspective on the challenges facing the sport of mixed martial arts. For anyone interested in the business and culture of professional fighting, this episode of In Depth With Graham Bensinger is a must-watch.