Over 100 UFC fighters, including Shane Carwin, have written letters supporting a $375 million settlement in an antitrust lawsuit against the UFC, highlighting their financial and health struggles, with hopes for immediate relief if approved by Judge Richard Boulware.
Over 100 fighters have penned letters supporting the settlement agreement in a UFC antitrust lawsuit. They’re hoping for financial relief sooner rather than later.
TKO Group Holdings, UFC’s parent company, agreed to a $375 million payout to end litigation. Now, fighters await Judge Richard Boulware’s decision on approving the deal.
Among those supporting the settlement is former UFC interim heavyweight champ Shane Carwin. He’s shared his struggles over recent years.
“Despite having an engineering degree from the Colorado School of Mines, I can’t maintain focus for an engineering job,” Carwin wrote. “Meeting basic expenses for food, shelter, and transportation is a serious challenge.”
He added, “These funds would help me get healthcare and keep a roof over my head. Funds years from now might be useless to me. I desperately need them now.”
Retired UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub, who trained with Carwin, spoke about the challenges Carwin faces post-fighting career. “Shane is smart among smart people,” Schaub said on his podcast.
“He’s got a degree from the School of Mines—Harvard of the Midwest. He dominated it,” Schaub continued. “But he can barely tie his shoes now.”
Many fighters supporting the settlement struggle with symptoms of CTE, a disease linked to repeated head trauma. It’s only detectable via autopsy.
Carwin’s fighting stint lasted under six years; he also played football and wrestled. Schaub noted these likely contributed to his condition.
Schaub mentioned that while the lawsuit unfolds, the UFC reached out to help Carwin with his health issues. “When Dana [White] heard about Shane’s struggles, they flew him out,” Schaub said.
“I’m not hating on UFC or Dana,” Schaub clarified. “This could’ve happened if Shane fought in PRIDE, PFL, or ONE Championship.”
Carwin’s case isn’t unique but hits home for Schaub. “It’s Shane Carwin who paid for my training when I couldn’t afford it,” Schaub recalled.
“He signed me up for Golden Gloves without me knowing because he knew I’d win,” Schaub reminisced. “I cornered him in Mississippi. We had nothing—just me and him.”
If approved, fighters’ attorneys estimate an average payout of $250,000 each; around 35 athletes could receive $1 million. Schaub isn’t sure where Carwin stands but knows he needs help now.
That’s why Schaub hopes the UFC would personally support Carwin financially during his tough times. “How do you not just say ‘here’s $10 or $15 million for your troubles’?” Schaub questioned.
“Be human for a second,” he urged. “Just human to human—this guy put his life on the line.”
“He’s such a good person,” Schaub added passionately. “How can you not say ‘that’s terrible—here you go.’ It’s pennies to these guys.”