UFC Faces Class-Action Lawsuit: Potential Damages Exceed $1.6 Billion

UFC Faces Class-Action Lawsuit: Potential Damages Exceed $1.6 Billion

The UFC finds itself embroiled in a substantial legal battle as over a thousand fighters unite in a class-action lawsuit. On August 9, a pivotal court ruling by Judge Boulware propelled the ongoing UFC Antitrust lawsuit into class-action territory.

Unraveling the UFC Antitrust Lawsuit

In December 2014, a coalition of MMA fighters, including active contenders like Cung Le, Nate Quarry, and Jon Fitch, initiated a class-action lawsuit against the UFC and its parent company, Zuffa LLC. These fighters contend that the UFC utilized “improper strategies” to manipulate the MMA fighter services market. Their core argument is that the UFC systematically underpaid them, ultimately fostering a monopolistic grip on the professional MMA landscape, detrimentally affecting all MMA fighters.

Representing approximately 1,200 present and former UFC fighters, this collective aims to rectify perceived injustices and instigate changes within the UFC’s operational framework.

After an extended legal battle spanning over six years, the court, in December 2020, signaled its intention to officially designate this coalition as a “class” of fighters, accompanied by an in-depth written evaluation. Should this classification gain official recognition, the lawsuit’s lead fighters and their legal representation will advocate on behalf of the entire group of approximately 1,200 fighters.

“The objectives encompass financial recovery for all 1,200 fighters and restructuring the UFC’s operational practices.” Notably, the court has recently ratified the designation of the “bout class,” encompassing fighters who participated in one or more live professional UFC-promoted bouts within the United States from December 16, 2010, to June 30, 2017. Exclusions involve non-resident or non-citizen fighters unless they were remunerated by the UFC for contests in the US.

A Turning Point

Consequently, all fighters fitting the class description, numbering around 1,200, are automatically integrated into the lawsuit. While the option to withdraw exists, remaining participants will contribute their claims to the ongoing case. Should the lawsuit yield success, these fighters stand to share a portion of the contested sum, estimated between $800 million and $1.6 billion.

Under U.S Antitrust laws, private plaintiffs can seek triple damages to substantiate their “suffering.” This stipulation potentially obligates the UFC to pay damages amounting to several billion dollars.

Should the lawsuit triumph, the repercussions could be transformative for the realm of professional MMA. While such a transformation could prove advantageous for devoted fight enthusiasts, it could potentially reshape the landscape, much to the UF