UFC Settles Major Antitrust Lawsuit for $375 Million

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The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has agreed to a substantial $375 million settlement in an antitrust lawsuit initiated by former fighters in 2014, marking a significant victory for the athletes involved. U.S. District Judge Richard Boulware granted approval for the settlement, originally reached in October 2024, which will primarily benefit members of a class led by former fighter Cung Le.

The lawsuit alleged that the UFC exercised monopolistic practices, restricting fighters’ contracts and limiting competition in the industry. In March 2024, an initial settlement of $335 million was rejected by the court due to concerns about combining two separate lawsuits. Following this approval, members of the Le class are expected to receive varying amounts, with some fighters set to gain upwards of $1 million each. However, UFC is not obliged to alter its business practices as part of this agreement, according to legal filings.

Lead attorney Eric Cramer expressed pride in representing the fighters and indicated that they will continue to pursue a second ongoing antitrust case led by Kajan Johnson.

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