UFC finds permanent home after agreeing venue deal with T-Mobile Arena
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has signed a multi-year deal to become the anchor tenant of the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas’ new crown jewel events venue.
As part of the deal the UFC will hold at least four events per year at the venue
The mixed martial arts promotion company agreed to terms with venue owners, Las Vegas Arena Company – an entity majority owned by AEG and MGM Resorts International.
Under the terms of the deal the UFC will hold at least four fights every year at the venue which it will share with newly established NHL franchise, The Golden Knights, who will serve as the arena’s other anchor tenants when they enter the ice hockey league next season.
Marketing activations included in the agreement will see the UFC headlining the welcome sign in the lobby alongside the Vegas Golden Knights, as well as concourse activations, signage and retail space.
The duration of the partnership was not disclosed, however the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that it will last more than seven years.
Bill Hornbuckle, president of MGM Resorts International, said: “We have enjoyed a tremendous partnership with UFC for many years and are excited to enter into this exclusive agreement at T-Mobile Arena, a first for the industry.
"While UFC calls Las Vegas home, there are few brands as powerful globally. We look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world for years to come for the kind of spectacular events and entertainment that can only be found in this city.”
UFC president Dana White credited the Las Vegas Arena Company’s MGM Grand Garden Arena for helping the company to stage years of its biggest fights, but said: “Let's be honest, T-Mobile is way better.”
He added: “We plan to do tons of amazing fights here.”