The plaintiffs in one of two UFC antitrust lawsuits reached a new $375 million settlement agreement with TKO Group Holdings, which covers fighters from 2010 to 2017 and is supported by 56 fighters who emphasized the urgent need for financial relief due to health issues stemming from their fighting careers, while litigation for a second lawsuit continues.
The plaintiffs in one of the two UFC antitrust lawsuits dropped a bombshell on Monday. They filed a massive brief detailing a new settlement agreement with TKO Group Holdings, the majority owners of the MMA promotion. A whopping 56 fighters penned letters of support.
On September 26th, the UFC and involved fighters agreed to a fresh $375 million settlement. This would wrap up litigation that’s been dragging on since 2014. An earlier settlement proposal for $335 million was shot down by U.S. District Court Judge Richard Boulware from Nevada.
This new deal only covers the first lawsuit. The second lawsuit is still hanging in the balance, with both sides inching toward a potential trial date. The brief argues why this settlement is a godsend for fighters, especially those who need cash now instead of waiting years for court battles to end.
Spencer Fisher, one of the fighters backing the settlement, shared his story. Declared permanently disabled after a punishing career in the UFC, he detailed his litany of injuries and struggles.
“I suffered many significant injuries,” Fisher wrote. “Broken hands, torn shoulder, fused neck…the list goes on.” He fears he has traumatic brain injury (TBI) and struggles with symptoms like depression and mood swings.
Fisher emphasized how life-changing this money would be for him and others. It could ease his wife Emily’s burden and help pay for healthcare and basic needs. “Funds years from now may be of no use,” he noted.
UFC Hall of Famer Wanderlei Silva also chimed in. After six years with the promotion, he believes he’s dealing with serious brain damage from fighting. Silva hopes the financial relief will support his family.
Silva recounted multiple surgeries and ongoing health issues like sleep apnea. “These funds would allow me to obtain healthcare I need,” he stated. “I can use and enjoy.”
Cung Le, a founding member of the lawsuit, admitted he’s nearing bankruptcy. He’s had to rely on friends to get by while awaiting the settlement.
“Due to my current health limiting my work,” Le explained, “I’ve been relying on a friend for essential needs.” Without this support, he’d likely face bankruptcy.
Shane Carwin, former interim UFC heavyweight champ, echoed similar sentiments. Health issues have prevented him from maintaining employment despite having an engineering degree.
“These funds would keep a roof over my head,” Carwin wrote. “The sad reality is funds years from now may be useless.”
Other fighters like Nate Quarry and Ross Pearson also voiced their support for the settlement. The brief highlighted how crucial this financial compensation is for many fighters.
The $375 million cash recovery offers quick relief against trial delays and risks. With increased funds compared to prior proposals, it’s seen as a substantial win for the Le Class members.
Under this deal, fighters could recover significant amounts after fees are deducted—some even netting over $1 million. By any measure, it’s potentially “life changing” cash for hundreds of families.
Judge Boulware previously objected to an earlier settlement due to low payouts and possible objections from fighters in the second lawsuit. The new agreement only covers those in the first lawsuit as litigation continues for others.
Whether or not the judge will approve this new settlement remains uncertain.