Video: UFC exec outlines company's motivation behind this weekend's UFC Athlete Retreat 2017

LAS VEGAS – More than 300 UFC athletes have descended upon the promotion’s brand new headquarters, but the world’s largest MMA organization isn’t interested in putting them to work. For one weekend, at least, it’s all about giving back.

While the UFC previously has hosted educational “fighter summits” in Las Vegas, UFC Senior Vice President of International and Content Joe Carr told MMAjunkie this year’s Athlete Retreat 2017 was planned with a different goal in mind – one inspired by a January retreat for UFC employees that was hosted by the promotion’s new owners, WME-IMG.

“I think everyone left that feeling energized and motivated and almost inspired, and it was very much a give-back to the employees,” Carr said. “There were some business elements to it, but it was very much like, ‘Hey, this is just enjoy yourself, get refreshed for the year ahead.’

“And we thought, ‘Hey, we’ve done these fighter summits before, but they’ve been a little still, and almost like long days and whatnot. I think the feel of this one, in particular, is very much, ‘Hey, this is for the athletes. This is for them to have an amazing weekend, enjoy themselves.'”

The entire UFC roster was invited to attend the voluntary retreat, though some athletes – particularly those currently in training for upcoming fights – did decline. Still, a majority of the roster is in attendance, and it comes at a key time for the promotion, which has endured a bit of uncertainty since longtime owners Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta sold the company this past July.

Carr said it was important for UFC officials to ensure athletes the company values their roles in the future of the organization.

“With all the transition and everything that’s happened, and the new owners, it’s like, ‘Hey, you guys are our core product,'” Carr said. “This is who we care about, and we want to make sure everyone’s happy, motivated and excited to be part of the UFC. So I think it’s going to be a balance of professional and personal this weekend.”

The weekend kicked off Friday night with a catered reception at the UFC’s new Corporate Campus and Performance Institute, where both WME-IMG CEO Ari Emanuel and UFC President Dana White addressed the athletes. The Athlete Retreat continues through Sunday and features more opportunities for the fighters to interact with UFC officials, as well as a few educational seminars to go along with some entertainment – including a performance from Snoop Dogg.

“It’s really for these guys to come have fun,” Carr said. “There’s no ulterior motive. It’s not like, ‘Oh, we’ve got to get everyone here and capture content’ or whatever. It’s 100 percent a give-back to make these guys feel like, ‘Hey, we’re happy and excited to be a part of the organization. These guys care about us and everything that we’re doing.’

“‘We’re in this thing for the long haul, and you guys are the key piece of the puzzle to this organization, and you are the product, and we care very much about you.'”

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.