TKO execs push back against claims of UFC quality drop: ‘We don’t buy it’
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 24: (L-R) Mark Shapiro, David Ellison, Dana White, CEO & President, UFC and Ari Emanuel attend Paramount+ Celebrates the Launch of UFC on Paramount+ at UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mindy Small/Getty Images) | Getty Images Business has never been better for TKO, the parent company of both UFC and WWE that is currently working on building a third monopsony with its new Zuffa Boxing promotion. The product they’re putting in front of the fans?
That’s gotten arguably worse, with a growing portion of WWE fans in full revolt against high prices and cost-cutting measures. UFC fans are less organized but it’s hard to ignore the growing discontent from those who have noticed we’ve only seen one real UFC title defense in 2026 and a whole lot of weak Fight Night content. During a TKO earnings call, an investor asked executive directly Mark Shapiro about the decline.
“There’s also been a lot of noise about weaker UFC cards lately,” the unnamed investor stated. “In your view, what’s going on and what are you guys doing to improve? ” “Look, bottom line is we don’t buy it,” Shapiro responded.
“Let’s just start with this premise, right? The product is great at the UFC. The brand has never been stronger.
Our reach has never been greater. So the foundational elements of UFC are in concrete. Anyone that came to our last numbered fight in Miami, which was UFC 327, was flat out blown away.
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