The Announcement: Lorenzo Fertitta Joins Dana White At UFC Helm
This actually is a pretty big announcement, and it flies completely in the face of the idea that there was a sale, which is what I believed. Lorenzo Fertitta is resigning from station casino in order to run the UFC with Dana, and he will be primarily focused on international expansion. Kevin Iole has the write-up here:
"Everyone has doubts, right? Well, when you see Lorenzo Fertitta, a guy who was the No. 2-highest paid casino executive in Las Vegas, quit that job to come to work full-time for the UFC, that will be pretty strong evidence that they’ve made the correct move. "The Internet may not consider this huge news, but what the people on the Internet think is huge and what I think is huge are two different things. But you know what? I think I have a pretty good track record. I think this is maybe the biggest day in UFC history. I’m so excited, I can’t begin to explain it to you. This is an historic day for me and this company."
UPDATE BY KID NATE:
There's a lot more in the article, first off Fertitta addresses the obvious and immediate point of speculation -- is this bad news for Dana?
Fertitta and his older brother, Frank III, are the primary owners of the UFC. But until now Lorenzo Fertitta has devoted more than three-quarters of his time to running the family business as president of the burgeoning casino company.
But Fertitta, who according to In Business Las Vegas magazine was the second-highest paid casino executive in Las Vegas in 2007 with a salary of $113.8 million, said the growth of the UFC demanded a more significant involvement.
Fertitta insisted the move was no indictment of White, his long-time friend and next-door neighbor, but rather one which is desperately needed because of the significant growth the company is undergoing.
Two things jump out of that -- first its obviously bad news for Dana. The PRIDE acquisition was a fiasco and so far the UK expansion has been as well. Second, Lorenzo will be taking a HUGE paycut -- no way he's going to bring down $113.8 million in annual salary off Zuffa.
Here's more on what Lorenzo will be focusing on, going global:
Fertitta says the UFC plans to expand outside of the U.S. and U.K. and into mainland Europe, with plans to go to Italy, France and Spain, in addition to Germany. He said he foresees expansion into the Baltic countries, including Russia, and was recently in Dubai working on establishing a foothold for the UFC there.
Asia also is in the plans, he said, citing China, South Korea, Japan and India as prime markets for the company.
“Think about this for a second: India has 350 million men between the ages of 18 and 34, and that’s our key demographic,” Fertitta said. “The magnitude of these markets is staggering. Dana has been doing a phenomenal job with this company, and I’ve been doing what I could given my responsibilities (at Station Casinos).
“The UFC is going to have a global footprint in the not-too-distant future. We’re already working on furthering our position in Brazil. This is getting so big that it demanded I spend more time with it.”
Dana also denies this means he's being demoted:
White said he understands that some may see Fertitta’s move as a sign of the owners’ unhappiness with him or as an indication that the company is in peril.
He laughed at the thought and said he believes the UFC is about to explode.
“If they think that, beautiful, because it’s better for us,” White said. “There just isn’t enough time in the day for me to do everything that needs to be done. Lorenzo’s wife said to me the other day, ‘The two of you together is scary.’ I think what we’re going to be able to do now is amazing."
UPDATE BY KID NATE:
The consensus in the comments is that I'm way off base about this being bad for Dana. Entirely possible, but here's what Adam Swift has to say about it:
The move will be seen by many in the industry as confirmation of rumors that have circulated over the past year that the Fertittas were growing less happy with Dana White's stewardship of the UFC and were concerned about his ability to take the company to the next level. These rumors have been a prominent component of persistent rumors that the Fertittas were interested in selling the company or even in replacing White.
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I seriously doubt
This is bad for Dana unless you mean he won’t have the monstrous control he had before. But we don’t know how this will play out.
by Luke Thomas on Jun 18, 2008 3:25 PM EDT 0 recs
its always bad for a chief executive
when someone from the board moves in to take day to day control.
This basically means that the Fertittas recognize that UFC is big enough to require one of them to focus full-time and its clear that Dana’s struggling—the worsening credit rating, the high cost of UK expansion, the PRIDE fiasco.
Dana’s treading water through the biggest growth year of the sport. Now Daddy is coming in to take over.
by Kid Nate on
Jun 18, 2008 3:30 PM EDT
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I really doubt this ends up being bad for White given the relationship he has with the Fertittas. That’s unimportant, though. I think this is going to be very good for the UFC and MMA.
by Richard on
Jun 18, 2008 3:36 PM EDT
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Yeah, I agree
You’re also underselling a ton of the successes Dana has had in the past couple of years. He’s really done a fantastic job promoting the sport and facilitating the education process here in the States. And didn’t the Fertitta’s have a watchful eye over the PRIDE expansion?
by Luke Thomas on
Jun 18, 2008 3:41 PM EDT
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I’m not underselling White. He has done a tremendous amount for the sport, but I think the involvement of Fertitta can only help. I’m mildly excited about this.
by Richard on
Jun 18, 2008 3:50 PM EDT
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I think Lukes comment was meant as a reply to Kid Nate
by TannerMatthews on
Jun 19, 2008 12:54 AM EDT
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I think you’re misinterpreting it Nate by a lot. Dana is doing a pretty tremendous job, maintaining unreal PPV numbers and live gates when nobody else has been able to, etc. The biggest problem for the UFC right now is that there is just too much to do and the company is not big enough. They have been leaving way too much money on the table. Pursuing international expansion is more than a full time job, something Dana can’t do. I think interpreting this as bad news for Dana is wrong.
by Michael Rome on Jun 18, 2008 3:40 PM EDT 0 recs
seriously
I’m sticking to my guns - Co-Presidents is not a stable situation. At some point someone will no longer be so Co.
And it won’t be Lorenzo.
by Kid Nate on
Jun 18, 2008 4:11 PM EDT
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Who says that it is co-presidents?
Lorenzo was heavily involved before, and even offered Tito a deal when Dana would not just a month or so ago. The Fertittas have always had veto power with 90% ownership, and now Lorenzo is on full time to do a job that could increase revenue and growth 10 times over.
by Michael Rome on
Jun 18, 2008 4:15 PM EDT
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Meltzer
Says “Fertitta will work alongside Dana White as the co-heads of UFC”
by Kid Nate on
Jun 18, 2008 4:21 PM EDT
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Right, but that’s just a term, it doesn’t capture the fact that Lorenzo will still be above Dana in the chain of command, just like he was before.
I think in the future the international side of the UFC will be even bigger than the domestic. The market is simply bigger everywhere else. I suspect Dana will remain in charge of the domestic while Lorenzo and his division pursue the international expansion.
by Michael Rome on
Jun 18, 2008 4:25 PM EDT
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there's no way
Dana remains as powerful as he was - or even remains the face of the UFC - while Lorenzo is there in the office with him all day.
by Kid Nate on
Jun 18, 2008 4:31 PM EDT
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Dana still is part owner and the face of the UFC. I don’t see Lorenzo doing TUF. I see him pushing for expantion and NOT in places like the UK. They keep pushing MMA on the UK when Canada is screaming for the action. The UK is great and all, but they go there all the time now. Why not come to the east coast more. I hear that MMA could be pretty big in Japan to.
by szucconi on
Jun 18, 2008 4:19 PM EDT
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Caplan's
story last week about how NY was defeated in New York and how it was the big announcement is sure looking like an epic fail right about now. And he still hasn’t issued a correction.
by raidernationz on Jun 18, 2008 3:44 PM EDT 0 recs
Be easy
Give him time to address the situation before going off on him. I’m sure he’ll do the right thing.
by Luke Thomas on
Jun 18, 2008 3:45 PM EDT
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He may or may not have been wrong, but I don’t see the point in playing the “gotcha” game.
http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/06/18/report-lorenzo-fertitta-leaving-station-casinos-to-work-full-time-for-ufc/#comment-33633
by Popetastic on
Jun 18, 2008 3:49 PM EDT
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Perhaps he doesn’t like Caplan. That would be the only reason I can think of.
by Richard on
Jun 18, 2008 3:51 PM EDT
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I’m not convinced that wasn’t part of the original announcement. I could see Dana going ahead with today’s announcement, before this thing gets any more out of control.
"They said you was hung!!"
"And they was RIGHT!"
by BJJDenver on
Jun 18, 2008 4:18 PM EDT
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Hey, I mean, it was ballsy of him to post it. He had a source he trusted and it turned out to be incorrect. I had someone I thought was good telling me something else that turned out to be wrong. Thankfully I didn’t post it, so it doesn’t seem epic fail, but it could have been.
I think we’re going to see a massive expansion in terms of UFC offices opening throughout Europe and a push toward TV deals all over. I think with Lorenzo at the helm of the international expansion, they can have someone completely dedicated to it in a way Dana never could be.
by Michael Rome on Jun 18, 2008 3:49 PM EDT 0 recs
I just find it interesting that if some reporters make minor errors, they get ripped all over the blogosphere; and in this case we have probably the biggest strikeout in MMA journalism all year long and we’re looking to make excuses for him.
by raidernationz on
Jun 18, 2008 4:29 PM EDT
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Rome at 5 oz.
Rome,
I saw what you posted on 5 oz. but i figured that you wouldn’t see it there if i replied to it over there.
I think you’re right that this may not have been the intended announcement, but announcing that a bill had passed a committee and would eventually get to the floor of two houses, where they could have debates, possibly win, and then hope the governor doesn’t veto…it seems suspect to me to announce that a bill to legalize MMA in new york is 1/5 of the way through the battle. Moreso than announcing Lorenzo moving over.
I totally agree with you. Its not like if the commission would have approved it that it means MMA would be sanctioned tomorrow. There would still be a long process to get it sanctioned like you stated. I think Sam completely jumped the gun. I like his site and i’m not trying to hate but , it seems to me that either he or his source was trying to add 1 and 1 together to get 3 and thats what they came up with. Lorenzo coming over full time to the UFC seems more along the hype he was stating than the passing of the first part of a bill that would sanction MMA in NY.
by TannerMatthews on
Jun 19, 2008 12:58 AM EDT
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This does sound Mind Blowing
For the employees of the UFC! And I can’t fault Dana(as much as i’d like to) for blowing this hype machine out of proportion, because I’m sure much of it was the media
all you gotta do is...
by imapimp08 on Jun 18, 2008 4:08 PM EDT 0 recs
DAMN!!
I can’t believe you guys are missing what is really happening. The UFC will work fine for a while, then split into two rival “companies” with it being Dana vs Lorenzo. One side will be called UFC Tapdown and the other will be UFC War. They will meet each year in MMAMania in the Pontiac Silverdome.
Advance apology for the inaccurate pro wrestling reference!
"They said you was hung!!"
"And they was RIGHT!"
by BJJDenver on Jun 18, 2008 4:14 PM EDT 0 recs
MMAMania.com is going to sue the pants off of Zuffa.
by Brett Jones on
Jun 18, 2008 4:36 PM EDT
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I think another big aspect of this is that while Dana has his charm, Lorenzo is a more established businessman, and comes off a lot more polished. He may be a lot more palatable to european television executives, network bigwigs, etc.
by Michael Rome on Jun 18, 2008 4:39 PM EDT 0 recs
I agree. Dana has had this complete power role since the beginning. He’s been the business man, but also the attack dog. This move will define Dana’s role a little better, allowing him to be himself, and allow Lorenzo to be in the background with the suits closing business.
by pud333 on
Jun 19, 2008 12:52 AM EDT
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I think this could be a big boost for the UFC. One of Dana’s biggest weaknesses is his perceived abrasiveness. Lorenzo can counterbalance that with his more executive-like demeanor. The more Dana can focus on beating the burgeoning competition here in North America, the better off the UFC will be. As someone has already stated, the nature of Dana and Lorenzo’s relationship hasn’t changed. Lorenzo is still on top of the food chain. The only questions I have are: A) How will the two work together on a day to day basis? B) Is Lorenzo unhappy with how Dana’s handled some issues (i.e. Pride, Tito, etc.)?
by Cannon J on
Jun 18, 2008 4:58 PM EDT
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How about the UFC returns to Japan with lorenzo instead of Dana?
Not sure the Japanese would accept it, but it might be worth a shot.
"They said you was hung!!"
"And they was RIGHT!"
by BJJDenver on Jun 18, 2008 4:43 PM EDT 0 recs
The Japanese
Have a pretty sour taste in their mouth regarding the UFC.
by Luke Thomas on
Jun 18, 2008 4:47 PM EDT
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Yeah, I’m pretty sure that ship has sailed. Unless they sign Fedor and build their shows around him and other Pride favorites.
"They said you was hung!!"
"And they was RIGHT!"
by BJJDenver on
Jun 18, 2008 4:53 PM EDT
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Pride is Dead, Fedor who?
Let’s move forward with MMA! It’s like signing Joe Montana to the new NFL or Richard Petty to a new Nascar. They made there mark, now it’s time for a new era of stars.
all you gotta do is...
by imapimp08 on Jun 18, 2008 5:00 PM EDT 0 recs
japan has proven to be a huge mma market, where the UFC failed in their attempt to enter. Nobody is saying bring back Pride, but supposedly, the Japanese hate Dana, so perhaps they would retry with Lorenzo. The key would also be to put up fighters popular with the Japanese fans, Fedor and other guys that were popular with Pride.
"They said you was hung!!"
"And they was RIGHT!"
by BJJDenver on
Jun 18, 2008 5:03 PM EDT
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and give up the cage
In Japan, serious MMA is in a ring.
by Kid Nate on
Jun 18, 2008 5:14 PM EDT
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The cage is for Wrestlers
The cage is such a novelty. Plus theres more room to run away. Just ask Kalib Starnes.
by Hookem325 on
Jun 18, 2008 11:36 PM EDT
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Ring looks sloppy
I agree with Dana who said that the ring just looks sloppy, with people falling out of it and guys constantly having to come in and rearrange fighters after innumerable restarts.
by thetakeover on
Jun 19, 2008 10:37 AM EDT
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I agree. I’ve always preferred the cage. It’s not because the first MMA fights I saw were in a cage, but the ring just doesn’t suit an MMA fight. It doesn’t seem to be able to contain the action. Don’t get me wrong, I like watching Japanese MMA, but I think the cage makes a distinction for fans and non fans alike.
by pud333 on
Jun 19, 2008 11:58 AM EDT
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me too
I like the cage, the ring brings me back to my days watching PRO fake wrestling
all you gotta do is...
by imapimp08 on
Jun 19, 2008 1:19 PM EDT
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Japan may be a good market
I wasn’t saying let’s not go to Japan, but we have seen Dana give a bunch of money to “Cro Cop” and it didn’t work out. The UFC has a good roster and I dont see the point of wasting a ton of money, like AFFLICTION, on Fighters who had there prime in Pride.
all you gotta do is...
by imapimp08 on
Jun 18, 2008 5:29 PM EDT
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Says "Fertitta will work alongside Dana White as the co-heads of UFC"
It will be interesting to see if Tito reconsiders re-signing with Zuffa/UFC given the news. I’d like to see him finish out his career in the UFC…as well as Lorenzo has stated on past occasions.
by Gregory Kim on Jun 18, 2008 5:01 PM EDT 0 recs
Come on Nate
Usually, I am with you and agree with the stuff you say.
You are doing some wild speculating when you say things as fact. Truth is, we have no idea what the impact will be. I do however have a hard time believing that a guy that is as smart a business man as Fertita obviously is, would move in and take over. Dana has made incredible strides for this sport and is the main reason the UFC is the top dog. They arent just going to takeover becuase he screwed up Pride.
Read My Blog
"Life's tough, tougher if you're stupid."
by Brandon Jones on Jun 18, 2008 5:28 PM EDT 0 recs
I think if they were really unhappy with Dana, he would have been sent packing. His presence would be too much of a detriment if this were an effort by the Fertitas to wrestle power away from Dana.
by Cannon J on
Jun 18, 2008 5:39 PM EDT
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I'm just stating my opinion.
And I’ll stick to my guns, this is probably good for the UFC, but Dana White is no longer THE man in charge.
by Kid Nate on
Jun 18, 2008 7:47 PM EDT
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I strongly question the source of the rumors for the sale possibilities and the Fertittas being unhappy with Dana. I think that story is being fabricated and fed to people writing about MMA, though of course I can’t be sure. The rumors tend to come from people with a very anti-Dana bent, the kind of people that a few months ago were acting like Xyience would bring down the UFC. Consider me quite skeptical of all of that kind of talk.
by Michael Rome on Jun 18, 2008 6:33 PM EDT 0 recs
I think it’s more wishcasting than forecasting by those making the predictions about the demise of the UFC and/or Dana White.
by Richard on
Jun 18, 2008 6:49 PM EDT
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I don’t really see this as a bad thing for Dana. Normally co-presidents isn’t the best thing in the world, but I think there was some limitation with Dana being able to expand the UFC brand beyond North America. I think what you’ll see is Dana continuing as the face of the UFC. He’ll still do TUF, he’ll still do most if not all of the pres conferences, etc. Lorenzo will probably be mostly a background player. Does Dana lose some power? Yeah, probably. But I don’t see this changing things too much on the surface. Underneath, in the background, however, this may be big for UFC and MMA. Dana has done a tremendous job and he got the UFC and MMA where it is today. I’m thinking what was needed was that extra bit to really push the UFC into the next stage, and Lorenzo is coming home to try and do that.
by pud333 on Jun 19, 2008 12:45 AM EDT 0 recs
Kid Nate and Adam Swift need some business sense.
This is a good thing fellas.
Look at the history of almost every startup business and there comes a time when the founders/Board of Directors bring in people that can take their company “to the next level” and this is no different.
When Dana says that there is not enough time in the day and he’s excited that his buddy, neighbor, and successful business partner is coming to help him grow the business full-time with him, that’s good news.
by dohfil on Jun 19, 2008 1:51 AM EDT 0 recs









