TKO Group Holdings President Mark Shapiro has pushed back on criticism that recent UFC events lack quality and star power, insisting the promotion’s product is as strong as ever.
“Bottom line is we don’t buy it,” Shapiro said Wednesday on a TKO financial call, responding to concerns about Fight Nights at the Meta APEX and cards featuring many newcomers.
“Let’s just start with this premise: 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,” Shapiro said. He pointed to UFC 327 in Miami and a recent Fight Night in Perth, Australia, calling them examples where attendees were “flat-out blown away” and “witnessed an extraordinary sport.”
Shapiro highlighted the UFC’s near-50-event annual schedule and emphasized a constant focus on emerging talent. “We are always building in the UFC. We’re in the building phase at all times. We find the best up-and-coming talent around the world and we match them continually in the best fights.”
He cited names like Joshua Van, Brazilian Carlos Prates and undefeated Michael Morales as part of “the next generation,” and described UFC Freedom 250 as “stacked top to bottom” while noting the event will be used “to feature one our most promising stars in Ilia Topuria.”
Shapiro also praised UFC leadership and matchmaking. “Dana White and his team have been doing this for 25 years,” he said, later adding, “There’s no better matchmakers in any sport than we have with Dana’s team of Hunter Campbell, Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard.”
