Ari Emanuel Built a Live-Events Powerhouse, Now He’s Remodeling

Outside of the octagon, Ari Emanuel, the chief executive officer of Endeavor Group Holdings Inc. and TKO Group Holdings Inc., could be described as an ultimate fighter.

Since co-founding Endeavor in 1995, the superagent turned entertainment mogul has transformed his Hollywood talent representation business into a goliath spanning the worlds of fashion, TV, live events, sports and the arts. Now, he’s trying to do the same in combat sports.

When Endeavor bought the Ultimate Fighting Championship for $4 billion in 2016, some pundits called Emanuel crazy. “Oh, I don’t really care what those people say, I really don’t,” ...