According to the court filing today, UFC and the 1200+ fighters in the antitrust lawsuit have decided to engage in a “private mediation”, pushing the settlement conference date.
New filing: “Le v. Zuffa (UFC Monopsony Class Action)”
Doc #981: Order AND ~Util – Terminate Deadlines/HearingsPDF: https://t.co/nHRL9rR7z9#CL4316094 pic.twitter.com/TwVA6wrYUK
— Antitrust Cases Bot (@antitrust_bot) February 26, 2024
Dana White led UFC is accused of eliminating competition and suppressing fighter’s pay in the lawsuit, where the plaintiffs seek damages between $894 million and $1.6 billion. With such an exuberant amount, the accused and the accuser needed to talk at one point. MMA fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts on this recent development.
What is the possibility that the UFC will do an out-of-court settlement?
The chances are huge, and looking at the recent developments, the UFC and the fighters involved may consider an out-of-court settlement. The trial is expected to begin on April 15 in Las Vegas.
The antitrust lawsuit will see a lot of former fighters testifying on behalf of the UFC parent company, Zuffa. Fighters like Michael Bisping, Donald Cerrone, Chael Sonnen, and Miesha Tate, among several others, will be called in as witnesses during the trial. However, interestingly enough, the list of witnesses suing the promotion could include fighters in the 1200+ suing the UFC.
UFC wants to settle, just wonder how much for.
— hi (@IZigger77) February 26, 2024
$2 billion might do it.
— Hunter (@hvntxr) February 26, 2024
One fan pointed out how UFC could be looking at making a settlement, and it’s not surprising if you look at how quickly this case has been proceeding in recent months. It was also reported that Zuffa is looking to postpone the date for the trial, and this private mediation could also be a step in that direction.