New Antitrust Lawsuit Filed Against the UFC
Today, former UFC Light Heavyweight veteran, former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion, and current PFL Light Heavyweight contender Phil Davis filed a new class action lawsuit against the UFC. The lawsuit alleges that the UFC maintains an unlawful monopsony in the market, a market where one buyer, in this case, the UFC, has excessive control over labor, or elite mixed martial artists. Davis alleges that the UFC’s use of restrictive, long-term contracts and exclusive negotiation periods makes it almost impossible for other MMA promotions to make the “big fights” because they don’t have access to the “big fighters”. Unlike previous suits that primarily sought damages, Davis’ case seeks structural reform, specifically, something that would limit UFC fighter contracts to a maximum of one year.
This lawsuit arrives on the heels of a major $375 million settlement in the long-running “Le vs. Zuffa” antitrust case, which covered UFC fighters active between the years 2010 and 2017. That case, led by fighters such as Cung Le and Nate Quarry, alleged that the UFC engaged in anti-competitive practices by locking fighters into restrictive contracts, buying up competitors, and effectively shutting down free agency within MMA. The settlement, though substantial, didn’t result in major structural changes to the UFC’s contract policies. Davis’s suit appears to be picking up where that case left off, not by looking for backward compensation, but by trying to change the rules moving forward.
As for what happens next, the UFC will likely challenge the lawsuit in court, either by attempting to dismiss the case or fighting against the class action designation. If it moves forward, the case could take years to resolve, but it has already caused some renewed attention to the issue of fighter rights and league dominance. If Davis succeeds in getting class action certification, other active fighters may join the effort, increasing pressure on the UFC to modify its practices. Whether or not the UFC dismisses this case or if Davis succeeds, the case has brought attention to something many fighters are speaking up about: Does the UFC have too much control? The lawsuit may not change the sport overnight, but it could mark the beginning of a larger movement.
