4 Incredible Days at Learn on Location: UFC Performance Institute, Las Vegas
FINAL RECAP - DAY 4 - LEARN ON LOCATION
We wrapped up an incredible week with a candid, forward-looking conversation with Frank Lamicella, CEO of Thrill Sports, the parent company of Power Slap, Street League Skateboarding, and Nitro Circus. Frank spoke honestly about the many real-world ways students can use a law degree reminding them that while he no longer practices, he will alwaysbe a lawyer, and that mindset matters.
A theme echoed throughout the week: forward thinking. Frank shared how Thrill Sports and UFC plans not just for today, but for what’s next—next week, next month, next year. Students appreciated the transparency as he discussed his vital role in creating, launching, and growing Power Slap, including pursuing regulations, rules, and implementing industry-leading health and safety measures for athletes. He also spoke about helping build UFC’s partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism to create Fight Island, expanding the UFC’s ability to produce live events internationally. (And yes—Power Slap T-shirts were a hit. Free swag never hurts.)
Frank closed with one piece of advice that stuck: “Work hard and it will be recognized. Be loyal to those who help you get where you are. If you want it—work hard for it.”
Our final speaker was Francisco Arias, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the UFC. Francisco shared how he oversees the day-to-day legal matters of the organization, ensuring compliance as the business continues to grow. He opened the floor to student questions, sparking thoughtful discussion particularly around immigration law for athletes, a critical and often overlooked part of his role. He also reflected on his previous experience with Fifth Season (formerly Endeavor Content) and how an entertainment background has been invaluable in his current position.
We capped off the day with an open discussion led by Professor Michael McCann, recapping the week. Students shared that this experience is one they will carry with them. The speakers, the tours, and seeing how everything comes full circle brought classroom concepts to life. The takeaway was clear: a law degree opens doors far beyond the courtroom, and lawyers play a critical role in shaping the final production of products and experiences across sports and entertainment.
What a way to end an unforgettable Learn on Location.
DAY 3 -- LEARN ON LOCATION
Day three gave our students an inside look at the systems, safeguards, and strategy behind one of the world’s most complex sport organizations.
We began the day with Duncan French, Senior Vice President of the UFC Performance Institute. As the chief architect of UFC’s approach to athlete health and safety, Duncan walked students through how training, nutrition, physical therapy, mental performance, and concussion protocols work together to protect athletes. He emphasized that athlete safety is the top priority, highlighting that across more than 8,000 UFC bouts, there has never been a fatality in the Octagon and no catastrophic injuries beyond broken bones. He also discussed the complex privacy and HIPAA compliance challenges involved in collecting and managing large amounts of athlete performance and health data.
After lunch, students heard from Ivette Fernandez, Vice President of Government Relations at TKO Group Holdings. Ivette shared candid insights into the legislative and policy work surrounding UFC and TKO, including efforts behind the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act and initiatives encouraging Congress to modernize the Digital Millennium Copyright Act to address online piracy. She also spoke personally about her path into politics and stressed the importance of networking and relationship-building for students pursuing careers in this space.
The day wrapped up with an engaging session on athlete integrity and compliance with Jeff Novitzky, Senior Vice President and Head of UFC Anti-Doping Compliance, and Donna Marcolini, Vice President of UFC Anti-Doping Compliance. Jeff discussed his background as a federal agent with the USDA, where he investigated high-profile performance-enhancing drug cases involving athletes such as Barry Bonds, Lance Armstrong, and Marion Jones. Donna shared how she helps shape UFC’s anti-doping strategy. Together, they explained the rigorous testing policies—random, no-notice testing multiple times per year and the advanced technology capable of detecting minute substances long after use.
Students were especially impressed by how seriously UFC athletes take the program and by the way clean athletes are rewarded for compliance and integrity.
Another powerful, eye-opening day of learning at the intersection of sports, law, health, and policy.
DAY 2 -- LEARN ON LOCATION
Day two of Learn on Location delivered powerful conversations, meaningful perspectives, and unforgettable experiences.
We were honored to welcome Ed O'Bannon, former NBA and UCLA Bruins basketball player, who spoke candidly with our students
about his landmark case, O'Bannon v. NCAA. This antitrust class action challenged the NCAA for its use of former student-athletes’ names, images, and likenesses for commercial purposes without compensation.
Ed shared his story on a deeply personal level, offering students insight into what it means to be the client at the center of a case that forever changed college athletics. Students reflected on how powerful it was to hear the story from the other side of the courtroom, moving beyond legal theory to understand the real human impact behind the litigation.
Ed also spoke about co-authoring his book with Michael McCann, Court Justice: The Inside Story of My Battle Against the NCAA and A Life of Basketball, which chronicles his life in basketball and the journey behind his fight against the NCAA. The book provided additional depth and context to the discussion, tying together law, athletics, and personal conviction.
Later in the day, we welcomed Lawrence Epstein, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of UFC. Responsible for overseeing global business operations and organizational growth, Lawrence brought a refreshingly authentic and engaging perspective to the room.
He opened by saying, “I love lawyers. I love being a lawyer.”
That sentiment deeply resonated with students especially in a profession where the opposite is often heard. His humility, honesty, and approachable style left a lasting impression, with students sharing that his words are something they will carry with them long after this experience.
We ended the day with a tour of the UFC Apex, the production and live-event hub where the UFC truly comes to life. After days of learning about the legal and business frameworks behind the organization, seeing where it all happens brought everything full circle.
Another incredible day of insight, inspiration, and real-world connection exactly what Learn on Location is all about.
DAY 1 -- LEARN ON LOCATION
What an unforgettable start to our Learn on Location experience with a visit to the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) Performance Institute.
Before stepping inside the Institute, Professor McCann set the stage with a fantastic lecture on the foundation of this course, and the critical role law plays across the sports and entertainment industry. His insights helped frame everything we experienced throughout the day, connecting legal theory to real-world practice in a powerful and meaningful way.
We then had the incredible opportunity to hear from Akosa Akpom, Vice President of Analytics and Insights, who delivered a fascinating presentation on the history of the UFC and where the organization is headed next. His deep analysis of the UFC’s historical growth and global reach was truly mind-blowing.
We also had the honor of spending time with Forrest Griffin, UFC Hall of Famer, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, and current Vice President of Athlete Development. Forrest personally guided us through the Performance Institute, sharing how the UFC goes above and beyond to care for its athletes, supporting both body and mind. Hearing firsthand from someone who helped build and shape these programs made the experience even more impactful.
An inspiring day of learning, leadership, and real-world connections at the intersection of law, sports, and entertainment.
