Report: Bidding for UFC to end this week

Travis Durkee

Report: Bidding for UFC to end this week image

With the highest offers reaching upward of $4 billion, the bidding period for 100 percent control of UFC is expected to end this week, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported.

MORE: 37 astonishing UFC photos | UFC 199 results 

ESPN.com reported in May that UFC was in advanced talks to sell the business. UFC president Dana White quickly denied the report but said: “If somebody shows up with $4 billion, we can talk. We can definitely talk."

White also said UFC turned down a $1 billion bid in 2010, adding “we get offers on the UFC all the time." So it's unclear if the MMA company would even accept a $4 billion bid.

ESPN.com’s original report claimed WME/IMG, China Media Capital, The Blackstone Group and Dalian Wanda Group were among the bidders in play.

MORE: Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz to rematch at UFC 202

Brothers Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, who own 80 percent of UFC, bought into the business in 2001 for $2 million. The brothers are now reported to be worth about $1.6 billion each, according to Forbes.

Travis Durkee