Saudi Arabia and a $1bn fighters’ lawsuit threaten UFC’s future

The upcoming UFC showcase event on Saturday is overshadowed by a legal battle that could redefine the MMA industry. The UFC recently lost a bid to revoke class action status from hundreds of fighters suing for over a billion dollars, accusing the organization of maintaining a monopoly over the MMA industry, resulting in low wages for fighters. The lawsuit, slated for trial in 2024, seeks between $800m and $1.6bn in damages, potentially reshaping the landscape of MMA.

Following the collapse of PRIDE FC in 2006, the UFC’s dominance led to a decline in fighter pay, as they were left with limited bargaining power and locked into restrictive contracts. Meanwhile, the UFC continues to generate record revenues, further exacerbating fighters’ grievances.

This legal battle also coincides with Saudi Arabia’s $100m investment in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), a UFC competitor. The fierce competition posed by Saudi Arabia’s investment could potentially disrupt the UFC’s hold in the MMA industry, as demonstrated by former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou’s successful move to the PFL.

All these factors present the UFC with an existential fight, as it navigates through antitrust litigation and increasing competition that could change the face of the MMA industry and sports landscape. The outcome of this battle will have reverberations far beyond the octagon.

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Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.