Former UFC fighters have settled class-action lawsuits against the mixed martial arts promotion for $335 million. The settlement avoids a trial and brings litigation to a close.
| Settlement Amount | $335 million |
|---|
Former UFC fighters have reached a settlement in their class-action lawsuits against the mixed martial arts promotion. The settlement, totaling $335 million, will avoid a trial and bring litigation to a close.
Former UFC Fighters Settle Class-Action Lawsuits
A pair of class-action lawsuits filed by former UFC fighters against the mixed martial arts promotion have been settled, according to a regulatory filing made Wednesday. TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of the UFC, disclosed in an SEC filing that it reached a settlement on March 13 and is expected to pay the fighters $335 million in total.
The terms of the settlement will be memorialized in a long-form agreement and then submitted to the court for approval. The company anticipates the settlement amount will be tax deductible.
The settlement means the sides will avoid a trial, which had been scheduled to begin April 15.
The lawsuits alleged that the UFC used exclusive contracts, coercion, and acquisitions to eliminate competitors, violating the Sherman Antitrust Act. The UFC and TKO previously rejected the fighters’ arguments.
TKO Group was formed in 2023 through the Endeavor-led merger of UFC and WWE. Endeavor maintains a majority interest in TKO.
