• Loading stock data...
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!
Law

Judge Allows Reworked $375 Million Settlement for UFC Fighters to Move Forward 

  • Federal judge Richard Boulware granted preliminary approval of a settlement that covers around 1,100 former UFC fighters. 
  • A preliminary settlement that included two fighter pay lawsuits was rejected over the summer. 
Former UFC fighter Cung Le
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

A federal judge granted preliminary approval of the longest-running UFC fighter pay lawsuit Tuesday, more than two months after the same judge blocked the original deal

UFC and a group of around 1,100 former fighters agreed to a reworked $375 million settlement last month after U.S. District Court Judge Richard Boulware took the unusual move to halt an original deal—which covered two fighter pay lawsuits—at the preliminary stage over the amount of compensation. 

If the process moves forward without any significant snags, the average payout for the fighters covered by the settlement would be around $250,000 and payments could start to be distributed by the middle of next year. 

“It is a monumental achievement that will get significant relief to hundreds of deserving MMA fighters,” lead plaintiff attorney Eric Cramer said in a statement. “We honor our brave representative plaintiffs who fought for this result for ten years.”

The case, known as Le v. Zuffa (the former parent entity of UFC), was originally filed in December 2014 with former UFC fighter Cung Le among the lead plaintiffs. The class covers fighters who fought for UFC from December 2010 through June 2017. 

“Today’s decision is welcome news for both parties,” UFC said in a statement. “We are pleased to be another step closer to bringing the Le case to a close.”

In March, UFC had agreed to settle both Le v. Zuffa and a newer lawsuit that had retired UFC fighter Kajan Johnson as one of the lead plaintiffs for $335 million. The class members of that lawsuit covers around 1,200 fighters who competed in UFC from July 2017 onward and is not part of the reworked settlement. Johnson v. Zuffa will proceed with discovery toward a potential trial. 

“We look forward to pursuing significant business changes and more damages in our second antitrust case against the UFC,” Cramer said. 

Once Boulware officially enters his preliminary approval of the Le v. Zuffa settlement, the process—which includes determining legal fees and allowing class members to object to the deal—begins. It’s expected to take about three months before Boulware would rule on a final settlement and money could begin to flow to class members after an allocation process that could take approximately 90 days.

Endeavor purchased UFC in 2018 and later merged UFC with WWE to create TKO Group. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.
exclusive

Ryan Clark Could Be On Thin Ice at ESPN After Second Public..

Clark and Peter Schrager had a tense on-air moment Friday.
Donald Trump

Donald Trump Attending US Open As Rolex Guest

USTA asked broadcasters not to show “disruptions or reactions” to Trump’s attendance.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) and linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) shake hands while leaving the field following the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7

How Ohio State Rebuilt Its NIL Strategy in the Rev-Share Era

The Buckeyes are staying “aggressive” in the new NIL landscape.

Featured Today

Tennis

The US Open Is Groaning Under the Weight of Its Own Success

New York’s tennis major is more popular than ever.
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 5, 2025

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
Blue Jays
exclusive

MLBPA, DraftKings Agree to Settle NIL Suit

MLBPA said DraftKings and other sportsbooks improperly used players’ NIL.
Feb 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue scratches his head after calling a time out as forward Kawhi Leonard (2) walks past in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
September 4, 2025

Kawhi Leonard’s Alleged ‘No Show’ Job Is Latest in Complex Clippers Relationship

Leonard’s high-profile 2019 recruitment continues to generate headlines years later.
Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway.
September 4, 2025

Jordan Can’t Bar Charter Sales Because NASCAR Agreed Not to Sell Charters

The contentious antitrust suit is slated to go to trial this December.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
Megan Romano
September 4, 2025

The $800 Million Enhanced Games Lawsuit Could Have Legs

Antitrust experts say the case could have some merit.
Oct 15, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Fox Sports Southwest logo during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 123-104.
September 3, 2025

Fox, Hairstylist Settle Bombshell Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Skip Bayless, Charlie Dixon, and Joy Taylor all denied claims of wrongdoing.
Michael Jordan
August 29, 2025

Texts From Michael Jordan, NASCAR Bosses Aired Out in Court: ‘I Have..

Jordan said he plans on “going down with fire” against NASCAR.
Barstool
August 29, 2025

Barstool Sues for Millions Over Failed Sponsorship Deal 

The media company says it was stiffed to the tune of $4.2 million.