WWE and UFC have announced a groundbreaking collaboration that has sent both wrestling and MMA fans into a frenzy. The partnership between WWE and UFC’s TKO Group Holdings was revealed last night, unveiling plans for NXT Battleground to take place at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas on Sunday, June 9th.
“We are always exploring new frontiers to showcase NXT and we are excited to bring Battleground to this world-class event and production facility in partnership with UFC,” WWE Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative noted.
TKO Group Holdings was established by Endeavor as part of a merger between WWE and Zuffa, UFC’s parent company. Since the merger last September, both WWE and UFC have been operating as divisions under the TKO banner. Following the merger, former WWE boss Vince McMahon sold over $700 million of TKO shares, with Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel assuming the role in the new company. Nick Khan serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer, while Stephanie McMahon became WWE President after the merger. Meanwhile, Dana White continues to serve as CEO of the UFC.
The UFC APEX officially opened on June 18, 2019, gaining prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as it became the hub for all US-based UFC events, held behind closed doors.
This historic event marks WWE’s first-ever show at the state-of-the-art, 130,000-square-foot event and production complex. The UFC APEX, which can accommodate around 1,000 fans, was designed to host live events and studio shows. It serves as the venue for UFC Fight Night events and Dana White’s Contender Series.
WWE legend Triple H also shared his excitement following the announcement. “The state-of-the-art UFC Apex has been home to so many incredible events… and for the first time ever, on June 9, @WWE becomes part of that,” he wrote on Twitter. “Huge thanks to @ufc and @danawhite for their partnership in bringing #NXTBattleground to Vegas.”
