UFC Internship Summer 2025 Opportunities & Salary Insights

You have seen the fights, heard the walkout music, and watched the post-fight interviews where fighters call each other out, but have you ever thought about what goes on behind the scenes? The UFC internship is more than just punches and belts. It is a multi-billion dollar sports empire with massive global influence, and it takes a huge team to keep everything running smoothly. If you are a student or recent graduate looking to get your foot in the door in the sports industry, an Ultimate Fighting Championship internship is one of the best opportunities out there. The UFC does not just hire interns to make coffee runs. Interns get to work on real projects, assist at live events, and gain hands-on experience in the business of combat sports.

The best part? Many of these internships take place in Las Vegas, which is basically the capital of combat sports. This means you will be right in the middle of the action, working at UFC headquarters and potentially getting to see fight week preparations up close. While most internships are in Las Vegas, the UFC occasionally offers remote internship options for roles like social media management, content creation, and business analytics. Whether you are applying for UFC internships in 2025 or looking for a summer program, this guide will break down everything you need to know about landing a spot with one of the biggest sports organizations in the world.

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UFC Internships – Application Process & Pay Insights

How UFC Started and Became the Biggest Name in Combat Sports

The Ultimate Fighting Championship was founded in 1993 as a no-holds-barred fighting competition meant to determine which martial art was the most effective. It started as a wild, anything-goes event with very few rules, where fighters from different disciplines like boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and kickboxing competed against each other in a raw and brutal format. Back then, there were no weight classes, no gloves, and barely any regulations. Fast forward to the early 2000s, and everything changed when Dana White and the Fertitta brothers took over the UFC and turned it into a legitimate sport with strict rules, weight classes, and global recognition.

With the rise of stars like Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC became a mainstream phenomenon, pulling in millions of viewers for every event. Today, UFC is a billion-dollar company that broadcasts fights to over 165 countries and is part of Endeavor, the same company that owns WWE and other major entertainment brands. UFC’s events are not just about fights. They are huge productions that involve media coverage, sponsorship deals, live entertainment, and fan engagement. This means that the organization needs talented people behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly, and that is where interns and entry-level employees come in.

How UFC Operates Behind the Scenes

If you land a UFC internship, you are not just working for a sports company. You are stepping into a global entertainment business that is constantly innovating in media, marketing, event production, sponsorships, and athlete performance. The UFC operates like a hybrid between a sports league, a media company, and a massive event production firm. Here is a closer look at the key areas where the UFC thrives:

1. Media and Digital Content

The UFC is not just about fights. It is also one of the most dominant sports media brands in the world. It produces everything from behind-the-scenes documentaries and fighter interviews to highlight reels and social media content that reaches millions of fans every day. If you are interning in media, digital marketing, or content creation, you could be working on:

2. Event Management and Fight Week Operations

Every UFC event is a massive production that requires months of preparation. From booking venues and coordinating logistics to setting up weigh-ins and organizing media days, there is a lot that happens before fight night. Interns in this department may help with:

3. Sponsorship and Business Partnerships

The UFC partners with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Monster Energy, ESPN, Crypto.com, and Venum. These deals bring in millions of dollars and are crucial to the UFC’s business success. If you are interning in business development or sponsorship, you might be responsible for:

4. Athlete Services and Medical Operations

Beyond promoting fights, the UFC also takes care of its fighters by providing healthcare, training resources, and regulatory compliance. There are medical and performance-related internships where you can gain experience in nursing, athlete rehabilitation, physical therapy, sports medicine, and health science. For those interested in UFC medical careers, this can be a great first step.

5. Broadcasting and Production

The UFC broadcasts on ESPN and pay-per-view platforms, meaning it requires top-tier production teams to deliver high-quality fight coverage. Broadcasting interns may help with:

Career Opportunities Beyond Fighting

A lot of people assume that working for the UFC means being a fighter, a referee, or a coach, but there are so many career paths available beyond the octagon. The UFC has job openings in marketing, business development, social media, medical services, production, and corporate management. Internships often lead to full-time UFC jobs, especially for interns who show initiative, passion, and a strong work ethic. Whether you are interested in event planning, sponsorships, content creation, or sports science, there is a place for you in the UFC.

Types of UFC Internships

A UFC internship is not your average coffee-fetching, paper-filing experience. This is the big leagues of sports entertainment, and whether you are into marketing, production, event planning, sports science, or even legal affairs, there is a place for you at UFC headquarters. Below is a breakdown of the different types of internships available, what each role involves, and what kind of skills you will be using.

UFC Internships Summer Program: 

Every summer, the UFC recruits’ interns to help out with various departments while giving them a behind-the-scenes look at how a global sports organization runs. The UFC Internships Summer 2025 program is expected to run for around 8 to 12 weeks, giving interns an opportunity to gain real-world experience, network with top industry professionals, and build skills that could lead to full-time UFC jobs.

Most summer internships are on-site in Las Vegas, where you will be working at UFC’s state-of-the-art headquarters, assisting with events, social media campaigns, business operations, and more. If you want an internship that combines adrenaline-pumping excitement with serious career-building experience, this is it.

Marketing & Social Media Internship: 

If you are obsessed with social media, sports marketing, and digital branding, this internship is for you. The marketing and social media internship at UFC is all about creating high-energy, engaging content that connects with fans worldwide.

Interns in this department help manage UFC’s social media accounts, brainstorm creative campaigns, track engagement analytics, and work with sponsors and brand partners to develop promotional content. You might be helping create Instagram posts, TikTok videos, YouTube highlights, or Twitter updates during fight week.

Since UFC’s fan base is one of the most passionate in the sports world, social media interns need to keep up with trends, understand the audience, and create content that fuels engagement. If you have experience with video editing, graphic design, or copywriting, this is a great chance to flex those skills while working for one of the most influential brands in combat sports.

Sports Science & Athlete Performance Internship: 

This is not just about lifting weights and throwing punches. UFC’s sports science and athlete performance internship is for students who want to work with world-class athletes and get an inside look at how fighters train, recover, and stay in peak condition.

Interns in this department may help with strength and conditioning programs, rehabilitation exercises, nutrition planning, and performance analysis. You might work with coaches, physiotherapists, and sports scientists to help track fighter performance, monitor injury recovery, and analyze training data.

This is an ideal internship for students in kinesiology, exercise science, sports medicine, or physical therapy, as it provides a first-hand experience in high-level sports training. If you have ever wanted to know what goes into preparing a UFC fighter for battle, this internship will give you an exclusive look.

Broadcast & Production Internship: 

If you have ever watched a UFC fight, you know how important the production quality is. The lights, the camera angles, the intense slow-motion replays, and the perfectly-timed crowd shots all create the spectacle that makes UFC fights legendary.

The broadcast and production internship puts you right in the middle of UFC’s media production team, where you will learn about camera work, live event production, video editing, sound mixing, and post-production storytelling. You might assist with behind-the-scenes footage, fighter interviews, highlight reels, or social media video clips.

This internship is a great fit for students interested in broadcast journalism, film production, digital media, or video editing. If you love the idea of creating content that reaches millions of fight fans around the world, this internship will give you the hands-on experience you need.

Event Operations & Logistics Internship: 

Every UFC event, whether it is a pay-per-view at Madison Square Garden or a UFC Fight Night in Brazil, requires meticulous planning and execution. The event operations and logistics internship is for students who want to see how large-scale sports events come together.

Interns in this department assist with venue setup, fighter transportation, press conferences, weigh-ins, VIP seating, sponsorship activations, and backstage operations. You might be working with event planners, security teams, production crews, and marketing staff to ensure everything runs smoothly.

This internship is perfect for students in sports management, business administration, hospitality, or event planning, as it provides a real-world experience in managing live sports events. If you want to be part of the action behind the action, this is the internship for you.

Legal & Business Affairs Internship: 

UFC is not just about fights. It is a multi-billion-dollar company that deals with contracts, sponsorship agreements, broadcasting rights, and intellectual property. The legal and business affairs internship is for students interested in sports law, contract negotiations, and corporate governance.

Interns in this role might help with reviewing contracts, researching sports law cases, handling licensing agreements, and assisting with business negotiations. This is an incredible opportunity for students studying law, business, finance, or sports management, as it provides insight into how deals are made in the world of professional sports.

If you are fascinated by how sports businesses operate behind the scenes, this internship will give you the knowledge and experience to pursue a career in sports law or corporate management.

Medical & Sports Healthcare Internship: 

Fighters push their bodies to the limit, and the medical and sports healthcare internship gives students the opportunity to see what it takes to keep UFC athletes healthy, recovered, and ready to perform.

Interns may assist with injury evaluations, medical screenings, rehabilitation programs, concussion protocols, and athlete care during fight week. You could be working alongside UFC doctors, physiotherapists, and sports medicine specialists, gaining experience in one of the most intense medical environments in sports.

This internship is ideal for students studying sports medicine, physical therapy, athletic training, or nursing, as it provides an unparalleled look at sports healthcare in a high-stakes industry.

UFC Internship Application Guide: When and How to Apply

If you are serious about landing a UFC internship in 2025, timing is everything. UFC internships do not pop up randomly. They follow a structured hiring process, and if you want a shot at getting in, you need to know when applications open, when deadlines hit, and how to stay ahead of the competition.

Timeline for UFC Internships 2025 Applications

For summer 2025 internships, UFC typically starts accepting applications between January and March. The hiring process moves quickly, so waiting until the last minute to apply is a bad idea. The best strategy is to start preparing before the applications go live so that as soon as the postings drop, your resume, cover letter, and portfolio (if needed) are ready to go.

If you are looking for fall internships, expect applications to open around July or August, while spring internship applications may go live in November or December. Since the UFC’s internship programs are highly competitive, it is smart to turn on job alerts, follow UFC careers pages, and check LinkedIn regularly so you can apply as early as possible.

What to Expect for UFC Internships: Summer vs. Las Vegas-Based Positions

UFC Summer Internships are the most popular because they allow students to gain experience while they are out of school. These positions last around 8 to 12 weeks, and interns work in marketing, production, event management, social media, sports science, business operations, and more. Summer interns get the full UFC experience, often working during live events, press conferences, and major fight promotions.

Most internships take place at UFC’s headquarters in Las Vegas, which is basically the hub of combat sports. If you land an in-office internship, expect to work directly with UFC executives, event coordinators, and production teams. However, there are also remote internships available for roles like content creation, digital marketing, and analytics, making it possible to gain experience without relocating.

Regardless of whether you intern in Las Vegas or remotely, expect to be thrown into the fast-paced world of sports business, entertainment, and live event production.

How to Apply for a UFC Internship?

If you want to land a UFC internship, the first step is to check for open positions on the UFC careers page, LinkedIn, and sports job boards like TeamWork Online. Once you find the right internship, prepare a strong resume that highlights relevant experience in sports media, marketing, business, or event planning, making sure to showcase measurable achievements. Your cover letter should be engaging, personalized, and reflect your passion for UFC, explaining how your skills align with the role. If you are applying for creative roles like social media, content creation, or production, include a portfolio with examples of your best work, such as video edits, graphic designs, or marketing campaigns. After submitting your application through the designated portal, follow up professionally within two to three weeks to express continued interest. If selected, expect an interview where you will discuss your skills, career goals, and knowledge of UFC’s brand, so come prepared to show why you are the perfect fit.

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Summary:

A UFC internship is an exciting opportunity for students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience in sports media, event management, marketing, production, business operations, and athlete performance. With most internships based at UFC headquarters in Las Vegas, interns get to work behind the scenes on major events, fight promotions, sponsorship deals, and digital content creation. Applications for UFC internships 2025 typically open early in the year, with summer internships being the most competitive. To apply, candidates must submit a strong resume, an engaging cover letter, and a portfolio if applying for creative roles. While internships can be remote for some positions, in-person roles offer networking opportunities and exposure to the fast-paced world of combat sports. For those passionate about breaking into the sports industry, a UFC internship is the perfect stepping stone to a long-term career.