A US judge in Nevada has ruled in favor of a group of athletes who have taken legal action against the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The ruling allows the athletes to move forward with a class action suit, meaning that almost 1,200 fighters can now sue the UFC as a collective for alleged unfair business practices.
A US judge in Nevada has ruled in favor of a group of athletes who have taken legal action against the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The ruling allows the athletes to move forward with a class action suit, meaning that almost 1,200 fighters can now sue the UFC as a collective for alleged unfair business practices.
The fighters are seeking damages estimated at between US$811 million and US$1.6 billion, claiming that the UFC has suspended their wages. Class-action status has been granted to those who competed in the UFC from December 16, 2010, to June 30, 2017.
The plaintiffs argue that the UFC has abused its market power by acquiring or blocking rival promoters and using exclusive contracts to keep fighters tied to the Endeavor-owned promotion. They also claim that the UFC has suppressed fighter pay .
Eric Cramer, chairman of Berger Montague and lead attorney representing the class, stated that the UFC pays its athletes “only 20 per cent” of its event revenues, significantly less than boxing and other major sports that pay well above 50 per cent.
ESPN reports that the judge did not grant certification for the ‘identity class’ part of the suit, where fighters claimed the UFC suppressed licensing fees associated with identity rights.
The UFC plans to challenge the certification order in an appeal and has denied any antitrust violations. The promotion’s lawyer, William Isaacson of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, called the lawsuit “legally and factually meritless”.
Fight Results
The following table summarizes the key points from the article:
| Plaintiffs | Allegations | Damages Sought |
|---|---|---|
| Almost 1,200 fighters | Unfair business practices, suspension of wages | US$811 million to US$1.6 billion |
Summary
A US judge in Nevada has granted class-action status to a group of athletes suing the UFC for alleged unfair business practices. The athletes claim that the UFC has suspended their wages and are seeking damages estimated at between US$811 million and US$1.6 billion. The plaintiffs argue that the UFC has abused its market power and suppressed fighter pay . The UFC plans to appeal the certification order.
