UFC Antitrust Lawsuit: Judge Grants Class Action Status In Critical Win For Plaintiffs

In a critical decision for the plaintiffs, the class-action antitrust lawsuit that has lingered against the UFC for six years will move forward, barring a successful appeal. Filed in December 2014 by a group of former UFC fighters, the suit accused the promotion of acquiring and maintaining monopoly and monopsony power in MMA through the use of long-term exclusive fighter contracts.

Certifying the class was a vital step for the plaintiffs as Judge Richard Boulware had previously noted, “I can’t see how this case will proceed,” should he decide the lawsuit does not warrant class action status. By September 2020, Boulware had informed all parties that certification of the bout class was “most likely going to happen.”

Today, in a virtual status conference from Las Vegas federal court, what was once likely became reality. In granting certification for the bout class, Judge Boulware in effect ruled that the original lawsuit of only six fighters is now a class action of 1,214 fighters seeking between $800 million and $1.6 billion in damages, before tripling, unless the UFC can get a favorable decision on appeal.

While the bout class moves forward in this case, pending appeal, Boulware did not grant class certification for the identity class, meaning former fighter Nate Quarry will no longer be a part of the plaintiffs in this lawsuit as his final UFC fight didn’t occur late enough to be included in the bout class.

Return to Forbes next week for a detailed breakdown of the judge’s written order and the UFC’s potential for a successful appeal. Judge Boulware anticipates his written order will come out on Monday.

Speak Your Mind

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Get in Touch

350FansLike
100FollowersFollow
281FollowersFollow
150FollowersFollow

Recommend for You

Oh hi there 👋
It’s nice to meet you.

Subscribe and receive our weekly newsletter packed with awesome articles that really matters to you!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

You might also like

Duncan Robinson, J.J. Redick And The 10 Most Prolific...

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 06: Duncan Robinson #55...

Lyft Will Give 1.5 Million Ride Credits to People...

Lyft is giving 1.5 million credits for free or discounted rides to people who...

Daring To Hope – As Travel Faces New Restrictions...

Steve Domon, co-founder of Duffel Copyright Paul...

The Good, Bad And Ugly From The Green Bay...

The Green Bay Packers' defense had a strong performance...