Story highlights

UFC has new facility in Las Vegas

Don Riddell goes behind the scenes

CNN  — 

Almost 17 years ago, UFC president Dana White was running his sport from one small room with a desk and a phone. Today, he is still in the same position, but his office couldn’t be more different.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is one of the world’s most lucrative sport franchise, valued last year at $4 billion. And now, it has the facilities to prove it.

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CNN’s Don Riddell was in Las Vegas to be given a guided tour of the new 15-acre complex by White and former fighter Forrest Griffin.

It’s designed to unite the sport – both its athletes and administrative staff – under one roof, and is complete with pristine lawns, a restaurant, gym, steam room, and sauna.

MMA has enjoyed a rapid rise in recent years, thanks largely to UFC and its global stars. The likes of Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and Amanda Nunes have become the sport’s defining athletes.

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To take a tour of the new facility, have a look at the video at the top of the page.