8. Manchester City FC's Role In UFC's Global Success
The man currently responsible for UFC's global ascension is the same man responsible for Manchester City's rise to dominance in English football. Garry Cook, born in Britain, is UFC's executive vice president and their managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In this role Cook has guided UFC to significant global expansion, with increased shows and better TV deals in several key markets. London, Berlin and Abu Dhabi are just some of the places which have played host to significant UFC fight cards. Cook formed his strategic vision for UFC in his 2008 to 2011 job with Manchester City. The football club had been taken over by Middle East investors, who put Cook in charge as CEO with the mission aim of making City Britain's top football club. He took the position with gusto, bringing in a host of elite players and signing coach Roberto Mancini who went on to win City's first league trophy in 44 years. Cook helped to make City more of a global footballing franchise, establishing what is now England's top club. The lessons he learned in sports franchising with City are now being applied directly to UFC's impressive global growth.
