Yahoo Sports UFC Layoffs Continue, Head of Canadian Operations Ousted
The axe fell on Tuesday, as numerous UFC employees were laid off across the globe. The massive change in workforce continued on Wednesday, as the focus shifted to the promotion's Canadian office.
Following a round of public relations appearances on Tuesday to promote December's UFC 206, which takes place in Toronto, Tom Wright and several other UFC Canada staffers were let go.
Wright was the UFC's longtime Executive Vice President and General Manager for UFC Operations in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Having been a Canadian Football League commissioner, Wright spearheaded the UFC's efforts in Canada. During his six-year tenure, he was largely responsible for fostering much of the regulatory reform that cleared the way for the promotion to operate events across Canada and Australia.
Wednesday's moves followed a dark day on Tuesday, when new UFC owners WME|IMG released several top executives and numerous staffers around the globe. Notable among Tuesday's cuts were Chief Global Brand Officer Garry Cook, Chief Content Officer Marshall Zelaznik, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Asia Ken Berger, and Senior Vice President of Global Content Jamie Pollack.
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The layoffs follow the announcements of other key departures. Longtime matchmaker Joe Silva confirmed in September that he would be retiring by the end of 2016. Giovani Decker, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Brazil, resigned from the company in late September. Dave Sholler, Vice President of Public Relation and Athlete Marketing & Development, also recently announced his departure, as he has taken a position with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers.
It's unclear what shape the re-organized UFC will take once the layoffs are complete, but there will still be a familiar face onboard. UFC president Dana White entered into a five-year contract to remain with the new ownership in his day-to-day role.
When all is said and done, the layoffs are expected to account for somewhere south of 15-percent of the company’s global workforce. None of the promotion’s offices are expected to be closed.
(Photo courtesy of Daniel Cormier)
