UFC reaches sponsorship deal to rename Apex facility

UFC has entered into a sponsorship deal to rename its UFC Apex facility, a venue that has hosted many MMA fights and even an NXT PLE.

It was announced today that the Las Vegas facility will now be known as Meta Apex per a deal that UFC has reached with technology giant Meta, the parent company of Facebook. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg is a big MMA fan and has already partnered with UFC in a deal that’s made Meta the promotion’s official technology partner.

The Apex is a multi-purpose venue that hosts live events as well as serving as a production facility. A press release hypes that the Apex will showcase “Meta’s cutting-edge technology, including its AI, VR, and AI glasses advancements in real-world applications.” The naming rights agreement will also see Meta branding now integrated throughout the Apex.

“Meta is always at the forefront of technology and immersive experiences, and their enhancements will change the way fans view live fights,” UFC President Dana White said. “This rebranding comes at the perfect time as the facility is completing a major renovation, expanding capacity, concessions, hospitality, and UFC retail. For the first time ever, fans can come to Meta Apex and experience UFC fights with interactive VR, AI, and wearable technology. I can’t wait for fans to see it.”

The Apex is home to Dana White’s Contender Series and some of the UFC’s Fight Night events. In 2024, it served as the location for NXT Battleground 2024 with UFC and WWE both being under the TKO Group umbrella.

UFC’s ongoing expansion of the Apex will result in the facility accommodating up to 1,000 attendees. Tickets to UFC events at the venue had not been made available to the general public up this point, but that will be changing later this year.

WWE NXT Battleground to be held at UFC Apex

WWE has confirmed a new date and location for NXT Battleground. 

The event was originally scheduled for May 26 in Savannah, Georgia, the same night as AEW Double or Nothing. In a press release sent out on Monday, WWE has confirmed the show has been moved to Sunday, June 9, and will now take place at the TKO-owned UFC Apex in Las Vegas. 

The 130,000-square-foot venue was opened in 2019 to give UFC a location to run events out of during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was renovated in 2022 to allow up to 1000 spectators. 

“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,” said WWE Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative Shawn Michaels.

The last UFC event to air from the venue was UFC Fight Night 240 on April 6. The show featured Brendan Allen defeating Chris Curtis via split decision in the main event. 

WWE is advertising that limited priority passes and fan hospitality packages for NXT Battleground will be available shortly. Pre-sale signups are available here