Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a U.S.-based mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, currently recognized as the largest MMA promotion in the world. The UFC is owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquarted in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In 2008, the UFC continue to expand to the mainstream by announcing two major exclusive sponsorship deals with Harley-Davidson and Anheuser-Busch, making Bud Light the official and exclusive beer sponsor of the UFC.
Following an announcement from Dana White on June 18, 2008, Lorenzo Fertitta announced his resignation from Station Casinos in order to devote his energies to the international business development of Zuffa, particularly the UFC.
With the announced closing of the International Fight League in July 31 2008, there were unconfirmed reports that Zuffa had purchased the company. Reports cited the UFC's signing of former IFL fighters Brad Blackburn,Ben Rothwell,Rory Markham, Jim Miller and his brother Dan Miller. The report made note of the UFC's airing of IFL footage during “UFC Countdown: Silva vs. Irvin” and "Ultimate Fight Night 14".