The rescheduling of the announcement has lead to rampant speculation regarding the big news. Many websites previously reported a sale of the UFC to the Fox television network or Bertlesmann Media.

Kevin Iole first reported the news just minutes before the news was to be broken to Zuffa employees.

The shuffling of Lorenzo Fertitta’s resignation has led to his brother and Zuffa co-owner Frank Fertitta III to take over Station Casinos.

For his part, Lorenzo Fertitta’s new role in Zuffa will include the push for international business. Iole mentions Fertitta’s plans for hosting events throughout mainland Europe which include Italy, Germany, France, and Spain. Ventures into Asia are also in the works. China, South Korea, Japan, and India are being sought after for international expansion. As if that wasn’t enough, Fertitta event hinted at wanting the UFC’s presence in Russia and the Baltic countries, and he recently returned from a trip in Dubai.

Perception vs. Reality: Dana White’s Role After the Shake-Up

The restructuring of Zuffa has already led to speculation that the move for Lorenzo Fertitta to work full time at Zuffa is as a result of wanting to replace Dana White for what is perceived to be a negative image and a bad job.

Fertitta responded to the issue brought up to him by Iole by stating “The problem, if there is a problem, is that the business has gotten so successful, it’s requiring more time, focus and attention…the UFC has gone through so much growth in the last eight years, my brother [Frank Fertitta III] and I felt we’d be better in divide and conquer mode. He’ll stay at Station Casinos and take care of that and I’ll come over here and work on the issues involving the UFC.”

Dana White also addressed the issue. “There just isn’t enough time in the day for me to do everything that needs to be done. Lorenzo’s wife said to me the other day, ‘The two of you together is scary.’ I think what we’re going to be able to do now is amazing.”

”I think this is maybe the biggest day in UFC history. I’m so excited, I can’t begin to explain it to you. This is an historic day for me and this company,” White concluded.