Documents reveal how UFC’s $335 million antitrust settlement will be distributed to fighters

On Tuesday, May 21, the parties to the UFC antitrust lawsuits filed a motion seeking preliminary approval of the settlement. The documents revealed how much plaintiffs’ lawyers and litigants are likely to receive after the promotion is resolved, and a total of $335 million.

According to MMA Payout’s report, attorneys representing the fighters are seeking no more than 1/3 of the UFC’s settlement fund plus interest, which equates to approximately $10.05 million, and restitution for litigation costs “in an amount of not more than $11 million,” for a total of just a hair over $21 million.

The remaining $314 million will be distributed among 1,950 fighters in two classes – the (Cung) Le class and the (Kajon) Johnson class. However, it should be noted that some warriors of this suit are represented in both classes. The Le class, which consists of 1,290 members, will receive 75% of the settlement fund, while the remaining 25% will go to the Johnson class, which consists of another 1,140 members.

The distribution plan will provide Le Class members with a Settlement award of 25% (or more) of their total fight earnings during the Le Class period. Le’s class will be divided based on the number of fights in the UFC and their salary at the moment. The minimum refund amount is USD 8,000.

Some fighters participating in the Johnson Clash will receive 10% of their UFC earnings as part of the settlement

According to the report, “some plaintiffs in the Johnson settlement class will receive as much as 10% of their fight earnings.”

Payouts will also depend on whether the fighter had an arbitration agreement in his contract for the Johnson class, as the UFC changed its contract to include an arbitration provision during the Johnson period. Those with arbitration provisions will receive $5,000.

Although he was not a party to the lawsuit, former UFC fighter Nate Quarry will receive $250,000 in damages for his claims, which fell outside the time frame specified by the parties in the lawsuit and were therefore omitted.

Settlements will be sent in separate payments starting November 1, 2024 and again on April 1, 2025.

Information and screenshots courtesy of Jason Cruz