Historic Settlement: UFC Fighters to Receive Up to $1 Million in Compensation

In a landmark decision, UFC fighters are poised to receive compensation payments ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million as part of a settlement from the UFC's antitrust lawsuit. This significant payout comes after the UFC agreed to pay £281 million to former fighters who competed between 2010 and 2017. The lawsuit alleged that the UFC suppressed athletes' ability to negotiate other promotional options, affecting approximately 1,100 fighters.

Key Details of the Settlement

Compensation Tiers:
- 35 fighters will receive over $1 million.
- Nearly 100 fighters will net over $500,000.
- More than 200 fighters will recover over $250,000.
- Over 500 fighters will receive in excess of $100,000.

Current Legal Landscape

The UFC is also facing another antitrust lawsuit, Johnson v. Zuffa, led by former athletes from 2017 to the present day. These fighters are seeking damages and changes to the UFC's business practices, particularly concerning contract negotiations. The initial antitrust lawsuits had sought up to $1.6 billion in damages.

UFC's Broader Context

In 2023, the UFC merged with WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) to form the TKO Group. This merger has positioned the UFC as a dominant force in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).

Upcoming Events

The UFC's international fight week is currently underway in Las Vegas, featuring high-profile bouts such as Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight title at the T-Mobile Arena. Additionally, Alexandre Pantoja will defend his flyweight title against Kai Kara-France in the co-main event.