As far as recurring celebrity attendees at UFC events go, there are few more well known or recognized than all-time NFL great Tom Brady.
Even in the peak of his playing days, the seven-time Super Bowl winning quarterback found time to attend fights and align himself with Dana White – who’s a big fan of the New England Patriots – and the UFC brand. Brady’s connection with the organization, however, goes beyond fandom as he is the first cousin of UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, one of the most powerful shot callers in combat sports.
In 2024, Brady said during a speaking tour in Australia that Shelby used to bring him to live fights when he was a young boy. Brady spoke a little more about Shelby in a recent interview with social media influencer Nina Drama.
“That’s my boy, my first cousin,” Brady said. “I love you so much, Sean. He’s done a great job working with Dana through the years, and I’m a huge UFC fan. Love all those fighters.”
In a 2016 interview with TMZ after Brady bought a minority stake in the UFC with other celebrities, White said, “If Tom Brady calls me, he gets whatever he wants.”
Shelby has worked for the UFC for more than two decades. He currently serves as the lead matchmaker for the bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight divisions.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Tom Brady has surprise family ties to UFC
