Fighters to file lawsuit against the UFC

For months, Bloody Elbow reporters John Nash and Brent Brookhouse have been investigating rumors of a class action lawsuit against the UFC by former and current fighters. Bloody Elbow can now confirm through multiple sources that such a lawsuit is not only in the works but that a filing is imminent.

While we have been told the names of several potential signatories we have as yet been unable to confirm that those names will appear on the complaint. As was told to Bloody Elbow, the recent announcement of the Reebok sponsorship deal with the UFC appears to have reached into the suit, resulting in some strategic changes.

We have been able to confirm that the suit will be based on accusations that the UFC has violated antitrust laws by abusing their "market power" to intentionally and systematically cripple the free market. Several of the individuals we spoke to compared it to the recent San Jose hi-tech employee and NCAA antitrust cases. The manager of one high profile fighter who wished to remain anonymous has informed Bloody Elbow that the plaintiffs will be seeking damages for potentially hundreds of millions of dollars due to reduced fight purses, video game rights fees, and other sources of income. The final amount could even be greater, with statutes awarding "treble damages" in antitrust cases.

Another manager referred to the pending suit as "a game changer."

According to our sources the fighters are represented by three or four large firms renowned for antitrust litigation. The firms named to us have won major class action antitrust cases against bigger targets than the UFC, including against those in the banking, credit, technology and pharmaceutical industries.

As one well known former fighter told us "These are major players. These are not people [the UFC] will be able to out-spend."

While we can not release names of the potential signatories at this time, the names that have been reported to us are notable fighters and personalities in the sport.

Bloody Elbow has reached out to the UFC for their comments on the pending suit and we will provide updates as they become available.

Golden Age wrote:It´s about time. Bury the UFC brand + the Fertitta sisters and move on with the sport.

Golden Age wrote:I wonder who the people behind the lawsuit are?

nhbnews wrote:Don't expect the zombie 'media' to cover this properly. You know where to get the real deal.

Former champ Sean Sherk wants in on lawsuit against UFC

By Anton Tabuena @antontabuena on Dec 15 2014, 10:30a


Former lightweight champion Sean Sherk wants in on the class action lawsuit against the UFC.

The biggest story in Mixed Martial Arts today has been about a massive class action lawsuit that could potentially cost the UFC hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Bloody Elbow's Brent Brookhouse and John Nash were first to report on the topic, stating that several current and former UFC fighters will be involved in the case backed by multiple large firms that the UFC won't be able to 'out spend'.

While the names of those fighters already involved have yet to be released, once the news broke, a certain former UFC champion has publicly stated that he wants in on the lawsuit as well:

Sean Sherk @SherkSean

Who do I contact????? http://fb.me/3shAjG23Y
3:51 PM - 13 Dec 2014
https://twitter.com/SherkSean/status/543916046672199680

Sherk linked to the article about the lawsuit, and also gave a few more details from his facebook page:



Earlier this year, Sherk also sent out a few tweets being upset with the current state of MMA:

Sean Sherk @SherkSean

Welcome 2the world of MMA where every1 lies 2 UR face, tells u what u wanna hear then sticks it 2 U.
5:36 AM - 15 Jun 2014
https://twitter.com/SherkSean/status/478153983396413440

Sean Sherk @SherkSean

That's the part of this industry I don't miss!
5:36 AM - 15 Jun 2014
https://twitter.com/SherkSean/status/478154119819964416

The 41-year-old former champion first fought for the UFC back in 2001, and after dealing with multiple injuries, he officially retired in 2013. He has compiled a 36-4-1 record during his MMA career which saw him win and defend the UFC lightweight title in the process.

westcott123 wrote:fedor aoki bibiano askren are the smart one they made more money fighting outside the ufc then what they would fighting in the ufc