New Antitrust Lawsuits Against UFC
The UFC continues to face legal challenges as two new antitrust lawsuits were filed within the last week, following a previous settlement of a similar suit. These lawsuits underscore the ongoing scrutiny the organization is under.
Phil Davis Leads Latest Allegations
On Thursday, former UFC light heavyweight Phil Davis spearheaded new antitrust allegations against the UFC. The lawsuit was submitted in the U.S. District Court in Nevada by Berger Montague, the law firm previously representing fighters in the now-settled case and is also advocating for former UFC fighter Kajan Johnson in a related legal matter.
The Nature of the Claims
The new lawsuit names Zuffa LLC, TKO Group Holdings, and Endeavor Group Holdings as defendants. It claims that UFC’s illegal actions to suppress competition hinder non-UFC fighters from obtaining appropriate compensation for their efforts.
Impacts on Competitors
Eric Cramer, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, explained that the suit contends the UFC obstructs the ability of potential competitors to draw a sufficient number of top-tier MMA fighters, which is essential for contesting the UFC’s supremacy in the sport.
Aims of the Lawsuit
This lawsuit seeks to allow fighters to exit a promotional contract without facing penalties after one year. Typically, contracts specify a set number of fights over an undefined timeline, but UFC’s regular fight offerings mean the contractual clock resets if a fighter declines a fight.
Seeking Changes in Contractual Terms
Additionally, the suit aims to remove restrictive clauses from UFC agreements, including arbitration clauses and class action waivers, which prevent fighters from collectively taking action against the organization.
Background on Previous Legal Matters
Davis, who is currently signed with the Professional Fighters League, emphasized his commitment to support professional MMA fighters in breaking the UFC’s dominant hold on the sport. The recent batches of lawsuits follow an earlier settlement of $375 million involving UFC fighters that dated back to 2014. Another ongoing lawsuit, led by Kajan Johnson, is still making its way through the courts.
