In a landmark ruling, a US judge allows a class action lawsuit against the UFC to proceed. The lawsuit, filed by 1200 fighters, accuses the UFC of suppressing fighter wages and stifling competition. This ruling is a significant victory for fighters seeking justice and fair pay.
| Key Points |
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| A US judge in Nevada has ruled that a class action lawsuit against the UFC will proceed. |
| The lawsuit alleges that the UFC has abused its market power to suppress fighter wages and stifle competition. |
| Judge Richard Boulware II has certified the class, allowing all affected fighters to collectively sue the UFC. |
| Former UFC fighters Cung Le and Jon Fitch are seeking damages of $800 million to $1.6 billion. |
| The ruling is a landmark victory for fighters fighting for justice and fair pay. |
In a significant ruling, a US judge in Nevada has decided that a class action lawsuit against the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will proceed. This lawsuit, filed by nearly 1200 fighters, accuses the UFC of using its market power to stifle competition and suppress fighter wages through exclusive contracts. Judge Richard Boulware II has certified the class, enabling all affected fighters to collectively sue the UFC. Lead attorney Eric Cramer claims that the UFC pays its athletes only a fraction of its event revenues compared to other major sports. Former UFC fighters Cung Le and Jon Fitch are seeking damages of $800 million to $1.6 billion, alleging an illegal monopoly or monopsony. While the judge did not grant certification for the ‘identity class’ part of the suit, which involves licensing fees, the ruling is still a significant victory for the fighters. This lawsuit has the potential to set a precedent for fairer treatment and transparency in the industry.
