• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here
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

FuboTV

Disney’s Fubo Deal Closes After DOJ Ends Antitrust Review

The deal creates the sixth-largest pay-TV company in the U.S.

Rozier’s Lawyer Says Missed 2023 Games Cost Him Shoe Money

Rozier had a Puma deal through the end of the 2022–23 season.

WNBA Proposes 30-Day Extension on CBA Negotiations

The CBA expires Oct. 31; a deal is not expected by then.

The $80 Million F1 ‘Crashgate’ Case Heads to Court

Massa placed second to Lewis Hamilton in the 2008 drivers’ championship.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
Terry Rozier

NBA Strongly Denies Quietly Suspending Terry Rozier in 2023

Brian Windhorst appeared to walk back his comments Friday morning.
Chicago Bulls
October 23, 2025

NBA Betting Scandal Goes Far Beyond Terry Rozier and Damon Jones

A federal indictment suggests information about several teams was being sold.
Rozier
October 23, 2025

Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups Will Fight Gambling Cases

Both disputed prosecutors’ versions of events Thursday night.
Sponsored

Why Alexis Ohanian Is Betting Big on Women’s Sports

Alexis Ohanian reflects on his evolution from Reddit cofounder to one of today’s most dynamic sports investors.
Billups
October 23, 2025

Chauncey Billups Played Key Role in Elaborate Poker Fraud, FBI Says

Billups and Jones attracted victims to play rigged games, the FBI says.
LeBron James
October 23, 2025

Read the Terry Rozier ‘NBA Insider Trading’ Indictment

Rozier and Damon Jones are accused of selling inside information.
Chauncey Billups
October 23, 2025

Read the Chauncey Billups ‘Rigged’ Poker Indictment

Billups is accused of involvement in a rigged poker game.
Oct 16, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups gives instructions to his team during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center.
October 23, 2025

Chauncey Billups Is Rare Pro Coach Involved in Gambling Scandal

The recent string of gambling scandals have centered on athletes.