UFC Reaches $375 Million Settlement in Landmark Antitrust Lawsuit

Las Vegas – In a historic decision, Judge Richard Boulware has given final approval to a $375 million settlement in the long-running antitrust lawsuit against the UFC. The lawsuit, initially filed in 2014 by fighters including Cung Le and Nate Quarry, accused the UFC of maintaining a monopoly over elite MMA fighter services through exclusive contracts, coercion, and acquisitions of potential competitors.

Settlement Details and Fighter Compensation

The lawsuit, which covered fighters from 2010 to 2017, has now officially concluded with the financial settlement ready to be distributed to the athletes involved. According to legal filings, the payout is expected to be significant, with an average post-fee compensation of $250,000 per fighter. Specific details include:

• 35 fighters receiving over $1 million each
• Nearly 100 fighters earning more than $500,000
• More than 200 fighters receiving at least $250,000
• Over 500 fighters set to collect more than $100,000
• Nearly 800 fighters recovering over $50,000

Attorneys representing the fighters emphasized that this settlement would provide “life-changing” financial relief for many athletes who participated in the class action.

A Lengthy Legal Battle

The original lawsuit alleged that the UFC engaged in anti-competitive behaviour to suppress fighter earnings and control the MMA market. While a $335 million settlement was initially proposed in March 2024, Judge Boulware rejected the amount, arguing it was too low and did not sufficiently address the concerns of fighters involved in the second, ongoing lawsuit covering 2017 to the present.

The final $375 million settlement was agreed upon following negotiations, marking a significant moment in the fight for fighter pay and labour rights within MMA. In a statement, the UFC acknowledged the decision, saying, “Today’s decision is welcome news for both parties. We are pleased to be another step closer to closing the Le case.”

The Second Antitrust Lawsuit

While this settlement resolves one major legal challenge for the UFC, another lawsuit remains active. The second antitrust case, covering fighters from 2017 onward, continues to work its way through the courts. Though it is possible that another settlement could be reached, both sides are preparing for a potential trial.

The outcome of this second lawsuit could have lasting implications for the future of MMA fighter contracts, pay structure, and UFC business practices. Some industry experts believe that this settlement may encourage more fighters to challenge existing contract terms and push for further changes within the sport.

What’s Next?

With the UFC urging eligible fighters to file claims to receive their share of the settlement, the final payout amounts will depend on the total number of bouts fought during the class action period. As for the UFC’s broader business practices, it remains to be seen whether this legal battle will prompt significant changes or simply be treated as a one-time payout by the promotion.

For now, fighters involved in the lawsuit can finally see financial relief after a decade-long fight, while the broader conversation about fighter pay and contractual rights in MMA continues.