UFC sale complete, new owners send first memo to fighters

With all of the attention this week focused on the massive expectations of the much-anticpated UFC 202, it's easy for a lot of things to fly under the radar. Luckily for us, UFC flyweight Ryan Benoit shared a company e-mail that was sent to all of the fighters showing the finality of the UFC sale, and the first message from the new owners.

The #ufc sale is officially official. New boss just sent us an email. Good times ahead! pic.twitter.com/EnMNLCmBb3

— Ryan Benoit (@BabyfaceBenoit) August 20, 2016

For those for whom the image is unavailable or unreadable, it reads as follows:

"UFC Athletes

Our team's been honored to represent UFC and work with a number of you on the entertainment side for the past few years. We've had a front row seat as both a partner and as a fan to witness your dedication to this sport and UFC's remarkable work in growing MMA's popularity and elevating the organization on a global scale.

We couldn't be more excited for what the future holds for UFC and for all of you. As UFC's new operating partner, we will be working with Dana and the UFC team to amplify the work that's already been done by mobilizing all of the sports and entertainment assets we have available to us in our international network.

We look forward to working with you and welcome any ideas and feedback as we begin this new chapter together.

Ari Emmanuel & Patrick Whitesell, Co-CEOs, WME/IMG."

Emanuel was one of the main founding partners of the Endeavor Talent Agency, and Whitesell was an executive within the company, joining in 2001. The company later merged with the William Morris Agency to form the company known today as William Morris Endeavor, and later acquiring subsidiary IMG (International Management Group) for $2.4 billion.

According to MMA Fighting, Lorenzo Fertitta had his final day in the offices as CEO last Wednesday, and UFC 202 will be the first event under the full control of the new owners.