UFC reportedly sold for record-breaking $5.3 billion

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has reportedly been sold for US$4 billion (A$5.3 billion), in what would be the largest sale in the history of sport.

The mixed martial arts league is expected to confirm the multi-billion dollar deal as early as today, The New York Times reports.

The 23-year-old league is believed to have been bought by a group led by the talent giant WME-IMG.

UFC President, Dana White, has previously denied that the league was up for sale but declined to rule out the possibility.

While Mr White has not publicly confirmed the deal, he tweeted a smiley face emoji yesterday.

He is expected to remain in his current role under the new ownership structure, while the company’s primary owners – casino entrepreneurs Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta – also set to stay on board in some capacity.

UFC has become increasingly popular since its founding in 1993, with fights now being shown in more than 156 countries.

Fighter Brock Lesnar reportedly took home a guaranteed US$2.5 million (A$3.3 million) from his bout in Las Vegas yesterday, with more expected from bonuses stemming from pay television views.