UFC Faces February 2025 Trial After Judge Rejects $335 Million Settlement

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is gearing up for a significant legal battle as it prepares to face a trial in February 2025 over allegations that it suppressed the wages of former fighters. This development comes after a judge rejected a proposed settlement that aimed to resolve the longstanding dispute.

Per Bloomberg, U.S. District Court Judge Richard F. Boulware, presiding over the District of Nevada, set the trial date for February 3, 2025. This decision follows the judge’s denial of preliminary approval for a $335 million settlement, which was brokered in March and intended to benefit two classes of UFC fighters.

The case, which has been in the courts for several years, involves approximately 1,200 fighters who were granted class-action status last year. These fighters allege that the UFC engaged in practices that artificially suppressed their wages, limiting their earning potential within the sport.

Read more: UFC CEO Dana White Alleges Judge’s Personal Grudge in Antitrust Lawsuit

According to Bloomberg, the separate lawsuit involving current UFC fighters is now moving into the discovery phase, indicating that this legal battle could have broader implications for the organization and its business practices.

The rejection of the settlement deal marks a significant setback for the UFC, which had sought to resolve the matter without going to trial. The trial, which is expected to attract considerable attention, will likely explore the UFC’s contractual arrangements with its fighters and the broader economic dynamics within the mixed martial arts industry.

As the case progresses, the UFC faces the possibility of further legal scrutiny, not only from past fighters but also from those currently under contract. The outcome of this trial could have a lasting impact on how fighter contracts are structured and how wages are determined in the future.

Source: Bloomberg