General Counsel, UFC

Who We Are:

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC. TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company. TKO owns iconic properties including UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization; WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment; and PBR, the world’s premier bull riding organization. Together, these properties reach 210 countries and territories and organize more than 500 live events year-round, attracting more than three million fans. TKO also services and partners with major sports rights holders through IMG, an industry-leading global sports marketing agency; and On Location, a global leader in premium experiential hospitality.

The Role and What You’ll Do:

The General Counsel (GC) is the head of the legal function at UFC, reporting directly to the EVP, Chief Legal Officer for TKO. The GC oversees all legal matters, ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigating risk, and providing strategic legal counsel to support UFC’s business objectives. This role involves leading the legal department, managing outside counsel, and collaborating with senior executives across various business functions, including content distribution, event operations, sponsorships, regulatory affairs, intellectual property management, litigation, and corporate governance.

Legal Strategy & Leadership

• Develops and executes UFC’s legal strategy in alignment with corporate goals and objectives.
• Leads the legal team, overseeing attorneys and support staff, and fosters a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
• Provides proactive legal counsel to the executive team, advising on business strategy, operations, and regulatory issues.

Corporate & Commercial Transactions

• Support TKO’s head of transactional and business affairs in drafting and negotiating UFC agreements related to event operations, sponsorships, media rights, athlete performance, compensation, and consumer products and licensing.
• Assist TKO’s head of corporate legal during due diligence and contract negotiations for UFC-related mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other corporate transactions.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, including athletic commission regulations and athlete wagering policies.
• Develops and enforces UFC’s internal compliance programs, risk management policies, and corporate governance best practices.
• Monitors changes in legal and regulatory environments, providing strategic guidance on emerging risks and opportunities.

Intellectual Property & Brand Protection

• Oversees the internal legal team tasked with protection and enforcement of UFC’s intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, and licensing agreements.
• Collaborates with outside counsel on IP enforcement and brand protection strategies.
• Advises on digital content licensing, rights management, and content distribution strategies across PPV, television, and digital platforms.
• Leads UFC’s antipiracy efforts.

Litigation & Risk Management

• Partners with the litigation team on litigation strategy, management of pre-litigation disputes and oversight of outside counsel on matters involving court proceedings, arbitrations, and/or regulatory inquiries.
• Identifies and mitigates potential legal risks related to business operations, including employment and HR matters.
• Ensures UFC’s contracts, policies, and procedures protect the organization from liability and reputational risk.

Operational & Business Affairs Support

• Provides legal oversight for marketing, sponsorship, consumer products, and licensing agreements.
• Reviews marketing campaigns, press releases, promotional materials, and investor relations materials for compliance and risk assessment.
• Supports event operations, review venue agreements, and identify security-related legal considerations for live events.

You Have These:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, preferably Nevada, California, or New York.
• Minimum of 15 years of legal experience, with a mix of law firm and in-house experience, preferably in the sports, entertainment, or media industries.
• Proven track record of managing complex commercial transactions, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership experience, including managing legal teams and working cross-functionally with executives.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to provide sound legal advice in high-pressure environments and balance legal risk with business objectives.
• Experience managing litigation strategy, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance programs.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and business acumen.

TKO EEO Statement:

TKO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding non-discrimination in employment. TKO makes employment decisions based on merit and qualifications, without considering an employee’s or applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under federal, state or local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the Company has facilities. TKO also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state or local laws. For information about Privacy and Information Security for TKO employment candidates, please review our . For information regarding Terms of Use for this and other TKO websites, please review our Terms of Use.