UFC Fighters Set to Receive up to $1 Million in Settlement Payout
UFC fighters are poised to receive substantial compensation payments ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million as part of a settlement from an ongoing antitrust lawsuit against the promotion. The law firm managing the case announced that the UFC agreed to a £281 million payout to former fighters who competed between 2010 and 2017.
The lawsuit claimed that the UFC suppressed fighters’ ability to negotiate for better promotional options, impacting approximately 1,100 athletes. Remarkably, 97% of those eligible have applied for funds from the settlement, according to Berger Montague.
The anticipated payouts are significant: around 35 fighters are expected to net over $1 million (£727,755), nearly 100 will receive over $500,000 (£364,000), more than 200 will secure upwards of $250,000 (£182,000), and over 500 fighters will gain more than $100,000 (£73,000).
In addition to this settlement, the UFC faces another antitrust lawsuit, Johnson v. Zuffa, filed by former athletes seeking damages and changes to the promotion’s business practices and contractual obligations. This ongoing litigation could result in claims up to $1.6 billion (£1.25 billion).
The UFC, which merged with WWE to form TKO Group in 2023, continues to be the premier organization in mixed martial arts. As the international fight week unfolds in Las Vegas, anticipation builds for upcoming matchups, including Ilia Topuria’s lightweight title fight against Charles Oliveira at the T-Mobile Arena.
With the fighters’ compensation looming and further legal battles ahead, the landscape of UFC and its business practices continues to evolve, reflecting the ongoing challenges and triumphs within the sport.
