Multiple current and former UFC fighters, including popular lightweight Michael Chandler, are set to provide testimony supporting the UFC in an upcoming antitrust lawsuit. This was revealed in documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. Chandler intends to lend his support.
According to Bloody Elbow, Chandler, along with former UFC bantamweight champion Miesha Tate, are among the potential witnesses listed by UFC’s parent company Zuffa. The brief also names Chael Sonnen and UFC Hall of Famers Michael Bisping and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone as scheduled witnesses.
The trial is scheduled to commence in Las Vegas on April 15th, though Zuffa’s legal team is seeking a delay due to scheduling conflicts.
“There is no problem in the discussion of quoting or not quoting “A Combatant’s Wages.” Chandler said in a 2022 interview.. “I think people think we should make more money because the UFC makes so much money on their shows, and the UFC has been around since his 1993.
“Dana White has spent 10,000 sleepless nights when most of us martial artists would just come to practice, sleep, lay our heads on the pillow and work on our strategies. We are paid a salary commensurate with the work we do.”
Among the MMA fighter managers set to testify in favor of Zuffa are Ali Abdelaziz, Jason House, Josh Jones, Dan Lambert, and Ed Soares. Abdelaziz, known for representing top fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Henry Cejudo, Kamaru Usman, and Kayla Harrison. Lambert, besides his managerial role, is recognized as the owner of American Top Team, a prestigious mixed martial arts gym.
Current UFC CEO Dana White is slated to appear as a witness, alongside former Zuffa co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta, and matchmakers Joe Silva, Sean Shelby, and Mick Maynard.
The plaintiffs, comprising former UFC fighters Khun Leh, Nathan Qualley, Jon Fitch, Brandon Vera, Luis Javier Vazquez, and Kyle Kingsbury, allege that the UFC engaged in a conspiracy to monopolize the elite professional MMA fighter services market by stifling competition and suppressing wages. If found guilty, the UFC could face damages ranging from $894 million to $1.6 billion.
Following the approval of class certification in August, all defendants among the fighter group competed in the UFC during the stated period from December 16, 2010, to June 30, 2017. Thus far, no fighters have opted out of participation. Successful litigation or a settlement could lead to compensation for the plaintiff.
