Two new antitrust lawsuits have been filed against the UFC by fighters, led by Phil Davis and Misha Cirkunov, seeking changes to UFC business practices and addressing contract clauses, while another lawsuit is still ongoing.
The UFC is facing two new antitrust lawsuits from fighters, adding to an ongoing legal battle. One of the latest suits, filed in Nevada, is led by former UFC light heavyweight Phil Davis. The law firm Berger Montague, which has a history with UFC-related cases, is spearheading this new effort.
According to Eric Cramer, the lead attorney, the lawsuit claims the UFC prevents competitors from attracting top MMA fighters, thus maintaining its dominance. The suit argues that this not only impacts UFC fighters but also affects the careers and pay of other professional MMA athletes.
Interestingly, the lawsuit isn’t seeking financial damages. Instead, it aims for an injunction to stop the UFC’s alleged practices, hoping to foster fair competition and improve conditions for fighters. Davis expressed pride in challenging what he calls the UFC’s “stranglehold” on the sport.
The lawsuit demands changes in the UFC’s business practices, including removing restrictive clauses from contracts. It also calls for a “sunset provision” allowing fighters to terminate contracts without penalty within a year.
Another lawsuit, filed on May 23 by veteran fighter Misha Cirkunov, targets arbitration and class action waiver clauses in UFC contracts. This suit aims to address issues that have delayed previous legal actions and seeks to invalidate these clauses.
Originally, two antitrust lawsuits were filed against the UFC. The first, led by fighters like Cung Le, was settled for $375 million. The second, involving fighters like Kajan Johnson, is still ongoing. The UFC recently moved to deny class certification, citing arbitration clauses in some contracts.
Cirkunov’s lawsuit seeks to represent fighters affected by these clauses, aiming to prevent further delays in the ongoing case. The suit also seeks damages and the removal of such clauses from future contracts.
Judge Richard Boulware, who has overseen previous cases, has a hearing set for June 3. This will address several motions related to the ongoing Johnson lawsuit, including issues raised by Cirkunov’s new filing.