UFC set to be sold in mega $5.6 billion deal

The UFC is reportedly set to be sold to a conglomerate of businesses for a whopping $5.6 billion.

The world’s premier mixed-martial arts organisation, currently owned by US sports promotion company Zuffa, has been rumoured to be on the market for some time.

However, in a sealed bidding process handled by Goldman Sachs, a group consisting of WME-IMG, the Dalian Wanda Group, The Kraft Group and Tencent Holdings had their bid accepted on Monday (US time).

Reports suggest the majority of the money will be fronted by the Dalian Wanda Group and Tencent Holdings while WME-IMG and The Kraft Group – owners of four-time Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots – will be the face of the new group.

It follows a number of companies failing to reach Zuma's valuation with their bids – leaving just two bidders in the race for the UFC.

The other bid – believed to be from China Media Capital – fell out of the race after also failing to reach an agreement on the sale price.

Current UFC president Dana White will reportedly stay on with the UFC after being granted new shares.