Martial arts fighters have filed a class-action lawsuit against the UFC, alleging wage suppression. The lawsuit seeks damages of up to $1.6 billion. Find out more about this legal battle.
Martial Arts Fighters Take Legal Action Against UFC
A U.S. judge in Nevada has granted class-action status to a group of martial arts fighters who are suing the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for alleged wage suppression. The fighters, numbering over 1,200, claim that the UFC abused its market power and used exclusive contracts to keep them within the organization. The class-action seeks damages estimated at between $811 million and $1.6 billion.
The plaintiffs argue that the UFC pays its fighters only 20% of event revenues, significantly lower than other major sports such as boxing. Eric Cramer, chairman of Berger Montague and lead attorney for the class, stated, ‘The UFC pays its fighters only 20% of its event revenues, when boxing and other major sports pay well above 50%.’ The UFC, however, denies any antitrust violations and plans to challenge the certification order in an appeal.
U.S. District Judge Richard Boulware’s decision allows the lawsuit to move forward, acknowledging that the plaintiffs have suffered economic injury due to the UFC’s alleged anti-competitive conduct. The court has not yet ruled on class certification for a separate lawsuit involving fighters from mid-2017 to the present.
This legal battle marks a significant step for martial arts fighters seeking fair compensation and could have far-reaching implications for the UFC and the entire industry. The case is ongoing, with a status conference scheduled for August 21.
Summary
- A group of martial arts fighters has been granted class-action status in a lawsuit against the UFC for alleged wage suppression.
- The fighters claim that the UFC abused its market power and used exclusive contracts to keep them within the organization.
- The class-action seeks damages estimated at between $811 million and $1.6 billion.
- The UFC denies any antitrust violations and plans to challenge the certification order in an appeal.
- U.S. District Judge Richard Boulware’s decision acknowledges that the plaintiffs have suffered economic injury due to the UFC’s alleged anti-competitive conduct.
| Key Points |
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| Class-action status granted to martial arts fighters suing the UFC for wage suppression |
| Plaintiffs claim the UFC abused its market power and used exclusive contracts |
| Lawsuit seeks damages estimated at between $811 million and $1.6 billion |
