IN 2016, UFC president Dana White and his co-business partners who set up the fighting championship sold a majority stake in the promotion company for £3.2billion.

The buyers were the Hollywood talent agency WME-IMG, who count the biggest names in film, music and sport as their clients.

They gave each of their stars the opportunity to purchase shares in the UFC - with 23 taking up the option to pay a minimum £220,000 for a stake.

And according to WME co-chief executive Ari Emanuel, all of the below mentioned are major fans - often reaching out to the famed agent for tickets for the major events.

But who are the secret celebrity backers? Let SunSport reveal all.

SYLVESTER STALLONE

Of course the man famous for playing Rocky wanted a slice of the UFC pie.

Stallone, worth around £350million, is believed to have multiple shares that he's even willing to hand over.

In fact, he once told TMZ Conor McGregor should have some shares in the UFC, even offering Notorious some of his own.

“Absolutely," he replied when asked if the Irishman should be involved in the business.

"Of course. I got an extra room in the house.”

Stallone has also cast Ronda Rousey in The Expendables series, as well as Chael Sonnen in a cameo in Grudge Match.

BEN AFFLECK

The Oscar-winning director and actor famously played The Dark Knight in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.

And the fight fan admitted he based his portrayal of the comic book hero on McGregor, especially during fighting scenes.

Affleck also called on McGregor to fight Floyd Mayweather before that exhibition fight was organised, saying it would be the best fight of the last 30 years.

He wasn't wrong in terms of how much it made.

MARK WAHLBERG

A massive fight fan and famed action hero, Wahlberg has known Dana White since he filmed 1997 movie Boogie Nights.

The pair roomed together, and Wahlberg has always had an interested in boxing - that translated well playing Mickey Ward in The Fighter.

Movie producer Wahlberg has also been rumoured to want to cast Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor in film projects in the past.

CALVIN HARRIS

The highest paid DJ in the world, said to make £38.5million, was never going to miss out on an opportunity to invest in the UFC.

And after a Las Vegas show, fighters including Paul Craig have been known to whizz to the MGM Grand where the Scotsman has a residency to hear him spin.

Harris is also well-known for making money off property, buying and selling homes in LA for more money than he paid.

MARIA SHARAPOVA

With retirement now upon her, Russian tennis legend Sharapova would have more time on her hands to watch the UFC.

However, she doesn't seem too interested in the sport itself and just sees it as a good business opportunity.

"Maria believes in the company's success, however, has no plans to participate in the activities of the UFC,” a spokesman said on her behalf.

( Taken from the SUN website )