UFC Fighters Win Big in $375M Antitrust Settlement—with More to Come
In a landmark victory, UFC fighters who competed between December 2010 and June 2017 are now sharing in a $375 million class action settlement. Approximately 1,100 fighters were involved in the decade-long Le v. Zuffa, LLC case, which addressed long-standing concerns about compensation.[1]
Over 97% of the approximately 1,100 class members submitted claims, with many securing life-changing compensation ranging from $50,000 to over $1 million.[1] The average payout was around $250,000.[1]
This settlement marks a major moment in athlete rights and has laid the foundation for a second, pending lawsuit: Johnson v. Zuffa.[1]
Key Takeaways
- UFC fighters who competed from 2010 to 2017 were awarded a $375 million settlement from Le v. Zuffa LLC, a lawsuit over anticompetitive practices.[1]
- Over 97% of eligible fighters filed claims, with payouts averaging $250,000 and some exceeding $1 million.[1]
- USClaims has received numerous inquiries and has established a funding program to help plaintiffs of Le v. Zuffa while they await their payment.
- A second lawsuit, Johnson v. Zuffa LLC, addresses similar legal issues. USClaims is monitoring developments in this case and will provide additional updates on funding when available.
A Complex Legal Battle: Understanding Le v. Zuffa LLC
Filed in December 2014, Le v. Zuffa LLC alleges that the defendant engaged in anticompetitive conduct that violated federal antitrust laws. The plaintiffs, which included prominent fighters like Cung Le, Jon Fitch, and Brandon Vera, claimed that the UFC used exclusive contracts and other restrictive practices to maintain dominance in the mixed martial arts (MMA) market, effectively suppressing fighter compensation.[2]
In February 2025, a federal judge granted final approval of a $375 million settlement in favor of the fighters.[3]
The Role of Litigation Funding in Supporting Fighters in the UFC Settlement
Currently, despite winning the UFC settlement, the plaintiffs will not receive immediate financial relief. Disbursements are not expected to commence until September of this year, leaving many fighters and their families financially strained while they await their settlement award.
That’s why USClaims has established a UFC Program specifically for domestic and international class members covered in the settlement of Le v. Zuffa LLC. The USClaims UFC Program will provide a $5,000 nonrecourse advance to all eligible plaintiffs, with a flat payback amount, to help fighters make ends meet while they anticipate their long-awaited settlement award.
These funds are a cash advance against the future UFC settlement award and can be used to cover personal expenses, without restriction. With over 25 years of experience and more than $1B in funding provided to plaintiffs in the past 10 years, USClaims is proud to support UFC claimants as a trusted and transparent litigation funding provider.
If you’re interested, talk to your attorney and apply for litigation funding through our UFC Program today.
Sources
- Berger Montague. “With Unprecedented Claims Rate, Big Win for UFC Fighters Pays Off for Class Members.” PR Newswire: Press Release Distribution, Targeting, Monitoring and Marketing, Cision PR Newswire, 26 June 2025, www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/with-unprecedented-claims-rate-big-win-for-ufc-fighters-pays-off-for-class-members-302492418.html.
- “UFC Lawsuit Updates.” UFC ANTITRUST LAWSUIT, www.ufcclassaction.com/key-developments. Accessed 30 June 2025.
- “UFC Fighters Get Final Approval for $375M Settlement.” Cohen Milstein, 7 Feb. 2025, www.cohenmilstein.com/ufc-fighters-get-final-approval-for-375m-settlement/.
