Fans React as Anderson Silva Received $10 Million from UFC Anti-Trust Lawsuit Settlement

UFC veteran Anderson Silva receives a whopping $10.3 million following the UFC anti-trust settlement. 


Fans React as Anderson Silva Received $10 Million from UFC Anti-Trust Lawsuit Settlement

Anderson Silva gets the biggest chunk of money from the UFC anti-trust settlement lawsuit (via X)

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The UFC anti-trust lawsuit settlement became one of the most talked-about incidents last year, shocking fans and analysts. After a decade-long dispute, the case was finally resolved with a $375 million compensation package benefitting over 1,200 former UFC fighters. Recent payout reports have gone viral, and as it turns out, UFC legend Anderson Silva has received the largest chunk. 

The lawsuit addressed UFC’s alleged wage suppression practices between 2010 and 2017, claiming fighters were underpaid compared to market competition. The $375 million settlement will decrease to around $251 million after taxes and administrative costs before distribution to affected fighters. Reports confirm Silva will receive roughly $10.3 million, more other than others would have received.

Journalist John S. Nash revealed settlement payout details on X, offering transparency about UFC’s historic antitrust class action resolution. The average claimant payment will be $231,022.29, while the median is $86,034.65, reflecting significant differences in individual fighter earnings. Following Silva’s $10.3 million lead payout, the lowest payment is expected to be $16,138.45 for eligible claimants.

From 2010 to 2017, Silva fought 12 times, defending the UFC Middleweight title in multiple high-profile championship bouts. He remained a dominant figure, even after losing his belt to Chris Weidman. Silva’s prominence helped elevate UFC’s international appeal, particularly in Brazil, making him a mainstream icon for combat sports.

Irrespective of his success, Silva had a tough relationship with UFC CEO Dana White, and they often clashed with each other. At UFC 112 in 2010, Silva repeatedly taunted Demian Maia, frustrating fans, prompting White to call the performance “disgraceful.” Later that year, at UFC 117, White warned Silva directly backstage that another embarrassing display could end his UFC title reign. 

In 2016, Silva felt disrespected after saving UFC 200 on short notice, demanding gratitude, but White dismissed the Brazilian’s complaints entirely. Following the UFC 212 cancellation, Silva threatened retirement on Instagram, accusing White of ruining fights and disrespecting legends. Silva’s last few years in the promotion were plagued with multiple losses, which ultimately forced him to retire in 2020. 

Fight fans react to Anderson Silva’s $10.3 million UFC anti-trust settlement

The UFC antitrust lawsuit was originally filed in 2014 by former fighters, including Cung Le, Nate Quarry, and Jon Fitch. These fighters accused Zuffa, UFC’s parent company, of unlawfully monopolizing the MMA market and unfairly suppressing fighters’ wages unfairly over years.

They claimed UFC’s exclusive contracts, aggressive acquisitions, and coercive practices prevented fighters from competing elsewhere or negotiating fair compensation collectively.

Anderson Silva fighting in his prime
Anderson Silva fighting in his prime (via X)

Following the settlement, which took place last year, all the fighters who fought during that time period were automatically added to the list. While many accepted the money, Brazilian fighter Renato Moicano denied it, claiming it was against his principles. Nevertheless, here are some reactions to Anderson Silva’s whopping $10.3 million settlement.

Silva is considered one of the greatest UFC fighters ever, renowned for entertaining striking and serving as an inspiration for the new generation of fighters. Fans celebrated Silva’s $10.3 million payout online, acknowledging his contributions, charisma, and how he carried UFC during pivotal years.

Many insisted Silva deserved far more compensation, arguing UFC underpaid him compared to the immense revenue his fights generated worldwide. Following retirement, the ‘Spider’ transitioned into boxing, facing opponents like Jake Paul, Tito Ortiz, and other crossover combat sports names.

Fans, reacting to his $10.3 million settlement payout, urged Silva to reconsider boxing ventures and enjoy his earned retirement peacefully. Many believe Silva has nothing left to prove, suggesting he preserve his health and legacy instead of unnecessary fights.

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