Approximately 1,200 former UFC fighters are one step closer to receiving a percentage of a nine-figure settlement figure from the promotion after an approval on Tuesday.
Judge Richard Boulware issued a preliminary approval on Tuesday of an updated settlement figure of $375 million from the UFC for the class of fighters led by Cung Le in its antitrust suit against the UFC, which was filed in December 2014.
The class covers fighters who competed in the UFC from December 16, 2010, through June 30, 2017, with a separate antitrust case led by Kajan Johnson covering fighters from July 1, 2017, to the present.
Initially, the UFC and the plaintiffs in both cases agreed to a settlement of $335 million but Boulware rejected the settlement and sent the parties back to the negotiating table. A new figure of $375 million was presented, however, the larger sum only covers the Cung Le suit.
There was a large-scale campaign by the fighters to persuade Boulware to accept the updated settlement figure with more than 150 fighters issuing statements over their current health and financial difficulties and the immediate need for that money.
The Plaintiffs’ lead attorney Eric Cramer issued a statement to MMA Fighting:
We are extremely pleased that Judge Boulware granted preliminary approval of the $375 million settlement of the Le v. Zuffa case. It is a monumental achievement that will get significant relief to hundreds of deserving MMA fighters. We honor our brave representative plaintiffs who fought for this result for ten years. And we look forward to pursuing significant business changes and more damages in our second antitrust case against the UFC.
The Kajan Johnson-led antitrust case remains at large and has yet to be settled.
Tuesday’s ruling will still require final approval.
CUNG LE VS ZUFFA IS OVER🚨
LIVE FROM THE COURTHOUSE
Judge Boulware grants preliminary approval in the HISTORIC $375 million Le v ZUFFA antitrust lawsuit
BIG TIME BLOW LANDED BY UFC VETS
👊🏼#ufc #mma pic.twitter.com/rROqcAN1hK— “Filthy” Tom Lawlor (@FilthyTomLawlor) October 22, 2024
