It has been announced that a class action lawsuit will be filed shortly against the UFC by a number of fighters who have been, or who currently are, employed by the MMA promotion.
The UFC has had a huge amount of control over the athletes who fight for it for many years, and the recent deal on compulsory fighter uniforms supplied by Reebok caused a surge of resentment within the ranks of fighters and could be regarded as a tipping point.
Fighters have been speaking out publicly as to the lack of compensation for fighting for the UFC and now legal action looks to be imminent, which could potentially be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
This is not to say the UFC is worried, probably far from it. The crux of the legal action is that the promotion used its power as the pre-eminent MMA organisation to unjustly control the fighter market and use this leverage to unfairly compensate it’s employees.
As recently as 2012 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) closed down an investigation regarding the UFC monopolising the sport of MMA, so it is difficult to see a court coming to a different decision now.
What is significant, however, is fighters are not only speaking about dissatisfaction with their situation but are prepared to go to court to attempt to get a better deal. This open rebellion is a backflip from the wall of silence which normally emanates from the walls of current UFC employees.
It could be the beginning of something bigger – a fighters’ union. Banded together (akin to the NFL players’ union) the fighters would have significant bargaining power and be able to negotiate a much improved deal from the one which currently exists.
While this episode may come to nothing it is clear there is an upswing in dissatisfaction with employment conditions under the UFC umbrella. Many will be hoping that this case will galvanise the promoter into positive action.
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Yes, well made point. MMA is much bigger than merely the UFC and there does need to be a change in how fighters are dealt with. Currently it's open season for the promotors
Damien
Roar Guru
In theory a Union sounds good however I wonder if it will be in reality. The UFC own the game so fighters hoping to start a Union will have to hope that the higher paid fighters of today are willing to risk their own careers so that other fighters later on will have it better..maybe a couple will but I can't enough fighters taking that risk and I understand their position..
Damien
Roar Guru
Thin cards ? The way the fighters train should be addressed with the amount of injuries the PPV's have had this year..
Mat P
Guest
The FTC investigation may be closed, but it didn't necessarily put and end to it: "The letter also clarifies that just because the investigation is closed, this does not mean a violation did not occur, "just as the pendency of an investigation should not be construed as a determination that a violation has occurred. The Commission reserves the right to take such further action as the public interest may require."" - BoxingInsider Feb 3rd, 2012
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
I think a 'pro fighters association' rather than union is overdue in MMA (not only UFC, its a mma issue). The sport has become big business in no time and fighters need someone to represent their best interests: former fighters, lawyers etc.
Dave Brooksbank
Roar Pro
Oh yes, a union would be terrible for the UFC's profit margins. But they have had it all their way for far too long now, maybe it is time to redress things.
James Bakker
Roar Rookie
A Union would be a great thing for the fighters, however considering the public bickering that the fertitta bros and white have had with union groups, they would do everything in their power to stop it.
Gus Paella
Guest
A union and cba could be good for the sport long term. Maybe then issues of thin cards could be addressed.