The $375 million settlement stemming from the initial UFC antitrust lawsuit, originally filed in 2014, is expected to begin distribution to eligible fighters in the near future.
This lawsuit, initiated by athletes such as Cung Le and Nate Quarry, included fighters who competed under the UFC banner between 2010 and 2017. The settlement received final approval this past February from Judge Richard Boulware of the United States District Court for Nevada. Berger Montague, the law firm representing the fighters in this case and three other related antitrust lawsuits currently in court, announced on Thursday that a significant majority have responded: “over 97 percent of the approximately 1100 class members submitted timely claims” to receive funds from the settlement.
According to the firm, this high participation rate accounts for an estimated “99 percent of the total compensation earned by these UFC fighters during the relevant period.”
While the specific payout amount will differ for each fighter, the law firm disclosed that the average payout is approximately $250,000.
A statement from the law firm outlined the anticipated distribution of funds: “It is anticipated that 35 fighters would net over $1 million; nearly 100 fighters would net over $500,000; more than 200 fighters would recover over $250,000; and over 500 fighters would net in excess of $100,000.”
Eric Cramer, the lead attorney for the fighters, commented on the remarkable response rate: “These claims rates are unprecedented in class action litigation even in the best of circumstances,” he said in a statement. “It is particularly rewarding to see the level of participation after our 10 battle for economic justice for the fighters.”
Cramer further stated, “Berger Montague is extremely proud of these results and gratified by the near universal participation of fighters from around the world, including fighters from the U.S., Brazil, Canada, Japan, Russia, Latin America, and many other places.”
While this settlement resolves claims for fighters active between 2010 and 2017, a separate antitrust lawsuit, led by athletes like Kajan Johnson, covers fighters from 2017 to the present. This ongoing case seeks both monetary damages and injunctive relief, aiming to potentially alter the UFC’s business practices.
Additionally, more recent antitrust lawsuits have been filed, headed by fighters Misha Cirkunov and Phil Davis. The Cirkunov lawsuit aims to represent fighters who signed contracts containing arbitration clauses and class action waivers. The lawsuit led by Phil Davis focuses on seeking numerous changes to current UFC contracts and how the company operates, notably requesting only injunctive relief, not monetary damages.
Phil Davis recently explained his motivation for spearheading his lawsuit during an interview with MMA Fighting ahead of his planned return to action in the PFL.
“The truth of the matter is, I don’t do this for fun,” Davis stated. “My ability to fight against the best people in the world has been inhibited. I can’t do that outside of the UFC. That’s a real miscarriage of justice.”
He elaborated on his goals: “I’m not seeking any damage and I’m not seeking financial compensation of any kind. I haven’t been promised anything. All I want is the ability to fight the best and I want that not just for myself but for every other person who is competing. You have the opportunity to fight the best in the world. If you’re at that level, I want you to fight the best in the world. Why would I not want that for you? I want that for me.”
While a precise timeline for the payouts from the initial UFC antitrust lawsuit settlement has not been finalized, it is anticipated that the funds will begin to be disbursed within the next few months.
