The UFC promotion has had a lawsuit in court for the past couple of months. Although the promotion suggested a certain amount during their hearing, Judge Richard Boulware denied it.
However, the UFC fighters have reached a new settlement agreement. One of the plaintiffs filed a brief on Monday outlining the details of the new settlement. The new agreement amount is $375 million, higher than the initially proposed $335 million. The agreement was reached with TKO Group Holdings and 56 fighters writing letters of support.
Many of the fighters had a lot to say about life after fighting. They spoke about medical and financial ordeals they faced due to their time in the cage. Spencer Fisher, a former UFC fighter, was one of the fighters who wrote a letter of support. The fighter was declared permanently disabled and unable to work after spending 12 years in the cage.
“While fighting for the UFC, I suffered many significant injuries including broken hands, torn shoulder, torn retina, fused neck, and bulging discs. I also have a plastic buckle in my right eye, and many concussions,” Fisher wrote. “I had a right hip replacement in 2021 and am facing a left hip replacement in the near future. Also I have had two spinal taps that show the presence of the Tau protein, which is a positive indicator of dementia. And, I struggle with problem-solving and rationalization skills and get confused easily. I rely on my amazing wife, Emily, to function in daily living skills.
“I fear that during my career, I have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Also I am noticing symptoms common with TBI and CTE, including depression, mood swings, and irritability. To date, no treatment for CTE has been found. I have been diagnosed as permanently disabled by an independent neurologist. I also suffer from bouts of vertigo. And I experience memory loss and endure frequent headaches.
“This would truly be life-changing money for me and for other members of the class. These funds would ease the burden on my spouse Emily. And, it will allow me to obtain healthcare I need and assist my family in paying for basic life necessities. The sad reality is that funds years from now may be of no use to me. I desperately need these funds now.”
Another fighter with much to say was UFC Hall of Famer Wanderlei Silva. The fighter spent six years in the promotion but mentioned dealing with severe brain damage after ending his fighting career.
“While fighting for the UFC, I suffered many significant injuries, including concussions,” Silva wrote. “I fear that during my career, I have suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) and am noticing symptoms common with TBI and CTE including depression, mood swings, and irritability…. I suffer from sleep apnea and have difficulty sleeping and breathing. That I can recall, I have had four surgeries on my nose, one on my face, two on my left knee, one on my right knee. Lastly, I had one on my elbow.
“These funds would also allow me to obtain the healthcare I need. Keep a roof over my head and food on my table. The sad reality is that funds years from now may be of no use to me. I can use and enjoy.”
Cung Le, a founding member of the antitrust settlement lawsuit, said he is nearing bankruptcy and has needed support for some years.
“Due to the strain of my current health limiting my everyday activity from working consistently, I’ve been relying on a friend who, through God’s provision, has generously sponsored my essential needs, including food and shelter. At the same time, I await the settlement of this case,” Le stated. “Without this support, I would likely need to file bankruptcy and apply for disability to manage my basic living and healthcare needs.”
UFC heavyweight Todd Duffe mentioned having had 16 surgeries during his career
“Picture yourself at 25 in the most important job interview of your life,” Duffee wrote. “To have the interviewer question why your former employer at a fighting organization believes you to have a bad attitude and to announce it is publicly causing them to express concern over this characterization. Simply because you refused to fight while injured for a second time in a row after previously competing with a torn MCL and shingles in your eye.
“I am sure you can see how this mischaracterization has had quite an economic impact moving through my life. It has continued to haunt me and is weaponized against me in all kinds of business job settings. It is stifling my potential for many opportunities.”
Former interim champion Shane Carwin said he struggles with injuries sustained during his career. He claims he is no longer effective in a day job.
“Cognitive tests conducted at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and Concussion Legacy Foundation at Boston University (among others) are indicating I have suffered damage to the pre-frontal cortex and left hemisphere.” Carwin wrote. “I spend days in bed suffering from bouts of paranoia, fear, and anxiety.”
Other fighters who provided letters of support for the UFC Antitrust lawsuit settlement include Nate Quarry, Ross Pearson, Joe Stevenson, Cat Zingano, Jon Fitch, Chris Leben, Matt Brown, Gray Maynard, and many others.
The filled brief outlined this settlement’s benefits, including the disbursement of the new funds.
“The $375 million all-cash recovery provides a swift and significant payment to the Class against the delay, costs, and risks of a trial and appeals. As discussed above, the Plaintiffs had initially proposed to allocate 75% of the Prior Settlement to the Le Class (75% of $335 million is $251.25 million). Thus, this Settlement would increase the amount going to the Le Class by $123.75 million. Plaintiffs subsequently proposed to allocate 90% of the Prior Settlement to the Le Class (90% of $335 million is $301.5 million). In that light, this Settlement involves $73.5 million more for the Le Class.
“Under the Settlement, Le Class members would recover (on average), after all fees and costs are deducted, $250,000. Thirty-five Class members would net over $1 million; nearly 100 fighters would net over $500,000; more than 200 fighters would recover over $250,000. Over 500 fighters would net in excess of $100,000; and nearly 800 would recover over $50,000. By any reasonable measure, the Settlement, if approved, would put “life changing” cash into the hands of the families of several hundred fighters now.”
The new settlement only covers the first lawsuit and goes to the fighters involved. The second lawsuit is still uncertain as a trial date has yet to be set.
Although the new settlement is an increase compared to the other, there has yet to be any confirmation that the judge has signed off on the new agreement.
