Antitrust lawsuit against UFC takes next key step: class certification officially granted

Nearly a decade after an antitrust lawsuit was filed by former UFC fighters seeking damages from the promotion, a federal judge officially has granted class certification.

According to an 80-page opinion document acquired by MMA Junkie, federal judge Richard F. Boulware granted the “bout class” certification Wednesday in U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. The development was first reported by John Nash.

The “bout class” certification means 1,200 fighters who fought for Zuffa from Dec. 16, 2010, until June 30, 2017, collectively can file suit against the UFC for alleged violations of antitrust laws.

Boulware denied certification, however, for a proposed “identity class,” which would’ve created an avenue for fighters who claim the UFC “expropriated or exploited” their identity rights through its sale of merchandise.

The plaintiffs, who include former UFC headliners Jon Fitch, Cung Le and Brandon Vera, among others, seek $811 million to $1.6 billion in damages. The suit also potentially could lead to injunctive relief.

The lawsuit initially was filed in 2014 and alleges the UFC utilized monopsony power to depress fighters’ earnings as well as market competition. In 2020, Boulware initially indicated the class-action certification was coming but an official filing did not come until nearly three years later.

UFC lead counsel William A. Isaacson told ESPN he anticipated Wednesday’s decision and his legal team plans to appeal the decision.

“This is just one step in a long legal process, and we are confident that the Court will ultimately recognize that the claims outlined in this lawsuit are legally and factually meritless,” Isaacson told the UFC’s broadcast partner. “UFC’s own continued growth accompanied by the growth of other established MMA promoters and the prevalence of successful new market entrants all demonstrate the existence of a healthy and competitive MMA market which benefits athletes, promoters and fans alike.”

Conversely, plaintiff attorney Eric Cramer was pleased with the decision, according to a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“Thrilled to announce that the court in the UFC case has certified the class of mma fighters,” Cramer wrote. “We look forward to demonstrating our allegations that the UFC has abused its market power to suppress fighter pay before a jury in Las Vegas. The fight for fighter justice continues!”

Thrilled to announce that the court in the UFC case has certified the class of mma fighters. We look forward to demonstrating our allegations that the UFC has abused its market power to suppress fighter pay before a jury in Las Vegas. The fight for fighter justice continues!

— Eric Cramer (@CramerEcramer) August 9, 2023

Court proceedings will continue Aug. 21 with the matter’s next status conference.