“The proof is in the numbers,” MMA Lawyer reveals bad news for Dana White and UFC in the $1.6 billion class action lawsuit

Amidst growth and profit returns, the UFC confronts a massive lawsuit, with fighters standing united against the promotion in a potentially industry-shaping legal battle.

“The proof is in the numbers,” MMA Lawyer reveals bad news for Dana White and UFC in the $1.6 billion class action lawsuit

Dana White and the UFC face a class action lawsuit (Image via: Shuker)

UFC is the fastest-growing sport in the US with only the NFL in front them. Recently, Jake Paul even called the UFC the most profitable of all. 2024 is a massive year for Dana White and the UFC due to a variety of reasons. USADA ceased to be the anti-doping partner and Drug-Free Sports International began to become the new partner. Conor McGregor‘s return is imminent and there is the converted PPV in UFC 300. Despite these positives, there is one thing the White and the UFC are very off. It is the $1.6 billion class action lawsuit.

Combat sports regulatory lawyer Erik Magraken is one of the names who closely follow the development of the lawsuit. He recently had to say something about an important development in the case. This is what he said.

Despite all of these steps telling fighters they could remove themselves, not one of those 1200 fighters chose to not sue the UFC. So, that's a pretty remarkable thing. Now often a lot of people don't opt out of a class action lawsuit but here not a single one did…Maybe a handful will drop out but the proof is in the numbers. You got over 1200 fighters now suing the UFC.
Erik Magraken via X
YouTube video

As the lawsuit is class action, the plaintiffs have multiple opportunities to back out from the lawsuit. Magraken explained that it is practically impossible for the fighters to be unaware of it. This was due to the clear-cut proceedings of the lawsuit. Nonetheless, if the UFC loses the case, the total compensation that could be levied upon them would be close to $5 billion.

FS Video

Cung Le, Jon Fitch, and Brandon Vera are among the named plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit. UFC had recently won a different lawsuit in court against Mark Hunt, the former UFC heavyweight. Hunt recently came forth and blamed Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta. He stated that their illegal involvement caused him to lose the case.

The UFC goes to a class action lawsuit trial in April; Dana White unbothered

By the end of 2023, the UFC witnessed the threats to its alleged monopoly of MMA. The PFL acquired Bellator and acquired a formidable roster. The UFC had tried to appeal the class action classification of the antitrust lawsuit they faced but failed.

Dana White and the UFC face anti-trust lawsuit
Dana White and the UFC face anti-trust lawsuit (Image via X/MMA Fighting)

As per the documents revealed concerning the lawsuit, legal experts predict a tough time in court for the UFC. Many of the documents which even concluded private messages of the UFC brass revealed illegal business practices.

The $1.6 billion class action lawsuit will go to trial on April 8, 2024, just days before UFC 300. Nonetheless, UFC CEO Dana White showed no concern about it during the fight week of UFC 297 in Canada. White showed no concern and even said he was least bothered by it as it had nothing to do with it.

In case you missed it!