In a significant development for mixed martial artists, a federal judge has granted preliminary approval for a $260 million settlement in a long-running antitrust lawsuit against the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
This decision, made on October 22, 2024, allows more than 1,000 current and former fighters to begin receiving payments starting in June 2025.
The lawsuit, known as Le, et al v Zuffa LLC, was filed nearly a decade ago by a group of fighters who claimed the UFC underpaid them through restrictive contracts and monopolistic practices.
The case alleges that the UFC controlled the MMA market, limiting competition and keeping fighter wages below industry standards.
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Judge Richard F. Boulware’s approval marks a crucial milestone in the legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for the fighters involved.
The settlement represents a portion of what the plaintiffs believe they are owed, as they argue that the UFC’s business model has resulted in athletes receiving only about 20% of the league’s revenue—far lower than other major sports leagues, such as the NFL.
The settlement is part of a broader $375 million agreement, which includes ongoing litigation in a second class-action case (Johnson, et al v Zuffa LLC), where fighters seek further changes to contracts and business practices.
The upcoming payments are expected to vary significantly among fighters, with some potentially receiving over $1 million.
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Despite UFC’s insistence that it has done nothing wrong, the settlement allows the company to avoid the risks of a jury trial that could result in much larger damages.
This decision reflects a growing recognition of the challenges fighters face within a largely unregulated industry, as they navigate restrictive contracts while striving for fair compensation.
