The Global Fighters’ Union (GFU) is a historic milestone in combat sports, aiming to elevate standards, champion fighter rights, and create a successful union. Join the GFU to access improved pay, contractual advice, pensions, insurance, and free legal support. Learn more about this positive initiative.
| The Global Fighters’ Union (GFU) has been launched to address the lack of labor rights in combat sports.
| The GFU aims to elevate standards, champion fighter rights, and create a successful union.
| Members will receive improved pay, contractual advice, pensions, insurance, and free legal support.
| The GFU plans to work inclusively with all combat sports bodies and avoid disputes.
| This historic milestone marks a collective effort to make combat sports safer, fairer, and better for all involved.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) has experienced tremendous growth worldwide, but the rights of fighters have lagged behind. Unlike athletes in other sports, MMA fighters lack labor rights and face challenges in areas like pay, healthcare, and contractual freedom. However, a British-based consortium has launched the Global Fighters’ Union (GFU) to address these issues and elevate standards across combat sports globally.
The GFU aims to unite fighters from around the world and tackle the universal challenges in combat sports . It is the brainchild of a distinguished consortium comprising former elite champions, political activists, managers, coaches, and entertainment executives. The organization plans to become an official trade union in March 2024.
Fighting for Fighter Rights
The GFU recognizes that combat sports , including boxing and MMA, lack regulation and union representation. This leaves fighters excluded from standard workplace benefits such as insurance, pensions, and legal and health and safety support. The GFU aims to change this by championing the rights and well-being of fighters on a global scale.
Services for GFU Members
The GFU welcomes anyone involved or interested in combat sports , regardless of their ability, gender, race, or location. Members will have access to a range of services, including contractual advice, improved pay, and expert guidance on pensions, insurance, and retirement planning. The GFU also promises free legal advice, educational programs, and a focus on health and safety through partnerships with industry experts.
Learning from Past Attempts
The GFU is not the first attempt to form a fighters’ union in combat sports . Previous efforts, like the Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association (MMAAA), faced challenges and ultimately failed. However, the GFU believes it can succeed thanks to the involvement of key figures such as Paul Maloney, a former trade union leader, and Phil McCauley, a political activist. The GFU aims to work inclusively with all combat sports bodies and avoid disputes with promoters, boards of control, doping bodies, managers, and coaches.
A New Era for Fighter Rights
The launch of the Global Fighters’ Union marks a historic milestone in combat sports . It signals a collective effort to improve the working conditions and rights of fighters, making combat sports a safer, fairer, and better business for all involved. With the support of a diverse consortium and a positive approach, the GFU aims to create a successful union that empowers fighters across combat sports .
