Fighters believe that the TKO antitrust lawsuit settlement reached earlier today was a massive win for the UFC.
In case you’ve missed it, the UFC just wrapped up a decadelong lawsuit against them. Fighters such as Nate Quarry, Cung Le, Jon Fitch, and others, began suing the massive MMA company in 2014. They alleged the company broke several antitrust laws in their pursuit to become the sport’s biggest promoter.
The fighters were searching for a $1.6 billion payout, for over 1200 athletes who competed during 2010 and 2017. The two sides were set to go to trial, on April 15th. Instead, the fighters settled with the TKO Group and the UFC earlier today.
The promoters will pay out $335 million instead, with no injunctive relief. Meaning, that the company can essentially operate as normal, and won’t have to configure contracts. That was a major concern for many, but that is no longer anything that the UFC has to deal with. With that in mind, many are labeling the settlement a win for the company.
Fighters react after settlement is reached in UFC-TKO antitrust class action lawsuit
Check out what the fighters have to say about the settlement below:
“Excited for my $4 check to show up” – David Michaud wrote on X, reacting to the news. ‘Bulldawg’ fought for the UFC three times, across 2014 and 2015.
“Huge victory for the UFC. Not sure what the overall goal was for the fighters. Least it’s something but appears nothing will change moving forward.” – Brendan Schaub wrote on X, earlier today. ‘Big Brown’ was also a part of the bout class, fighting for the company between 2009 and 2014.
“Do I get some ? I don’t want a regular job when I retire” – Brian Kelleher wrote after the settlement. ‘Boom’ is still an active member of the UFC roster, and has been since 2017.
“You were right when we talked a long time ago. They will settle before it goes to trial around $300 million.” – Gray Maynard wrote on X, replying to John S. Nash about the verdict. ‘The Bully’ fought in the company from 2o07 to 2018.
What do you make of these comments from former UFC fighters? Do you agree with the settlement amount?
