I mean, ultimately, you're trying to get to the UFC, which is akin to the XFL trying to ultimately get their players into the NFL.between the Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Wrestling Entertainment – claim to have no issues with competitors of the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization.
During the merger’s first earnings call, TKO CEO Ari Emanuel and TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro recently addressed Saudi Arabia’s investment into the Professional Fighters League, a direct competitor to the UFC. Saudi Arabia, which is emerging as a global player in sports and entertainment, recently invested $100 million in the Professional Fighters League through SRJ Sports Investments — a new wing of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.
Shapiro sees no issues with SRJ’s investment in PFL, as he believes competition helps with the growth of the sport. Shapiro also believes that leagues like the PFL and Bellator will continue to work as solid feeder leagues for the UFC, which he believes serves as the ultimate destination for both fighters and investors.
“The investment that SRJ made in PFL, we look to our advantage. We have no issue with Bellator, PFL, name your league. Competition is good,” Shapiro said . “Not only do we have over 600 fighters, we have the premiere fighters. Ultimately, you’re trying to get to the UFC, which is akin to the XFL trying to ultimately get their players into the NFL. That’s what we are. Those are pipeline and feeder properties. In fact, we’re supportive of being on ESPN. PFL’s been on ESPN.
“All we know is they want more MMA, which is great for us. The more they have, the more it’s really going to just serve as an appetizer to what will be the meal, which is UFC.
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