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Tom Brady Reveals Close Family Ties to UFC

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Dec 18, 2025 1:57 PM ET

When it comes to celebrity regulars at UFC events, few are more visible or more influential than Tom Brady. The seven-time Super Bowl champion has long been spotted cageside, forming a high-profile connection with Dana White and the UFC during and after his legendary NFL career.

But Brady’s relationship with the organization runs deeper than fandom. In a recent interview, he shed more light on his family connection to one of the UFC’s most powerful decision-makers: lead matchmaker Sean Shelby.

Speaking with influencer Nina Drama, Brady confirmed what longtime industry insiders have known for years he and Shelby are directly related. “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.”

Their relationship stretches back to Brady’s childhood. During a 2024 speaking tour in Australia, Brady shared that Shelby was the one who introduced him to live fights when he was still a kid.

Tom Brady reveals he is first cousins with UFC Matchmaker Sean Shelby pic.twitter.com/oNA8W5TwnC

— Nina-Marie Daniele (@Ninadrama) December 16, 2025

A Powerful Figure Behind the Scenes

Shelby has quietly been one of the most influential people in MMA for more than two decades. As the UFC’s lead matchmaker for the bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight divisions, he oversees some of the sport’s most stacked weight classes and biggest stars.

Dana White has openly acknowledged Shelby’s role — and Brady’s unique access.

After Brady purchased a minority stake in the UFC in 2016 alongside several other celebrities, White told TMZ: “If Tom Brady calls me, he gets whatever he wants.”

A Celebrity Fan With a Direct Pipeline to the UFC’s Inner Circle

Brady’s frequent UFC appearances even during the busiest years of his NFL career now make even more sense. Beyond his public friendship with White, he has long had a family connection to the matchmaking backbone of the sport.

With Brady continuing to appear at major UFC events and Shelby remaining a key architect of high-profile fights, the bond between the Brady family and the UFC is as strong as ever.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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