UFC lays off top execs including Garry Cook

UFC News – Two years ago, the UFC promoted former soccer executive Garry Cook from head of operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa, to chief global brand officer and head of international business development in Las Vegas. UFC President Dana White sung his praises.

Now, Cook is out of a job, one of several high-profile layoffs coming from the UFC’s new corporate parent WME-IMG three months after it acquired the industry-leading fight promotion in July.

The news came from multiple people within the promotion who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the layoffs.

As MMAjunkie previously reported, the UFC is expected to shed “less than 15 percent” of its global workforce – estimated to be around 400 people – as WME-IMG looks to eliminate redundancies in operations. Those include jobs in sponsorships, licensing, public relations and production, though industry sources said no international offices will be closed and the promotion’s event schedule won’t be affected.

“This has been a magnificent experience with one of the greatest sports enterprises of the modern day,” Cook told MMAjunkie. “I am thankful and proud to have played a part in their brand story working with Lorenzo Fertitta, Dana White, Lawrence Epstein and all the talented individuals at the UFC.”

“With the new leadership from WME-IMG, the next era of continuing to redefine the global sports landscape is very exciting. I wish them well delivering on their vision for success.”

Another key figure in the UFC’s international push is also a casualty of staff reductions. Marshall Zelaznik, the promotion’s chief content officer, departs after 10 years with the company. Zelaznik set up the UFC’s office in London and served as its president, helping the promotion secure a TV deal with ESPN and terrestrial network FIVE. Upon his promotion to chief content officer in Las Vegas, he also spearheaded the creation of UFC Fight Pass.

Zelaznik was succeeded in Europe, Middle East and Africa by Cook, the former CEO for Manchester City Football Club who segued from soccer to fighting.

In another international departure, Ken Berger, the UFC’s executive vice president and general manager of Asia, leaves after three years with the promotion

UFC Senior Vice President of Global Content Jamie Pollack has also been let go after 12 years with the company. He was a key figure in the creation of a UFC office in Brazil.

Over the past three weeks, multiple senior executives have resigned from the UFC, including longtime UFC matchmaker Joe Silva and Brazil chief Giovanni Decker. UFC VP of Public Relations Dave Sholler recently announced his impending departure, as well.

Category: Mixed Martial Arts