Talks are "nearly wrapping up" for two L.A.-based investors "to take over a major share" of the UFC, according to sources cited by Robin Leach of the LAS VEGAS SUN. Sources said that UFC President Dana White "will remain" with the company as co-Owners Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta "sell their corporate share" to the investors. The Fertittas in January "filed regulatory paperwork for the sale of Fertitta Entertainment Management to Red Rock Resorts" for $460M. Sources said that the purchase of the UFC from Red Rock "could take place as early as this summer." Leach acknowledged that the report of a sale "will be denied up and down" by the principals until it is complete (LAS VEGAS SUN, 6/16). Meanwhile, the WRESTLING OBSERVER's Dave Meltzer reports the bidding process for the UFC is "expected to end this week" for a sale that is anticipated to be in the $4B price range for 100% ownership. WME-IMG, the Dalian Wanda Group and China Media Capital were "expected to put in final bids this week after the last rounds of due diligence are completed." It is thought that some of the bidders, if not all, "want White to stay in UFC, and if they had their way, with an ownership interest" (WRESTLING OBSERVER, 6/20 issue). UFC reporter Ariel Helwani earlier this week reported a sale is "definitely progressing," though it was "not 100% done" (TWITTER.com, 6/14).
LINGERING CONCERNS: In Ottawa, Ken Warren writes under the header, "UFC Safer Than Before, But Concussions Remain A Concern." UFC Exec VP & GM Tom Wright "stands behind a series of new safety guidelines within his sport, including better training of referees." He "insists that the UFC’s concussion protocol is superior to other major sports." A fighter who suffers a concussion "is automatically suspended from any activity -- including training -- for at least three months." Wright, a former CFL Commissioner, said, "The difference between our concussion protocol and the CFL or any other league is that we are completely unbiased because it’s regulated and overlooked by a third party -- an external athletic commission. We may want our best fighter to fight, but we don’t have any conflict because the decision is made by a third party" (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 6/16).
