Veteran mixed martial artist Phil Davis has initiated a significant antitrust lawsuit against the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), alleging monopolistic practices that hinder competition and suppress fighter earnings across the mixed martial arts (MMA) industry. Filed on May 29, 2025, in the U.S. District Court of Nevada, the lawsuit targets Zuffa LLC, TKO Group Holdings, and Endeavor Group Holdings, asserting that the UFC’s business strategies have created an unfair marketplace for fighters.
Allegations of Market Domination
The lawsuit contends that the UFC’s contractual practices, including long-term exclusive agreements and restrictive clauses, effectively prevent other promotions from attracting top-tier talent. This alleged suppression of competition not only impacts fighters within the UFC but also those in other organizations, limiting their ability to negotiate fair wages and career opportunities.
Attorney Eric Cramer, representing Davis, stated, “We intend to prove that the UFC engaged in a predatory scheme to undermine would-be competitors… impairing the careers and pay not just of the UFC’s own fighters, but also of professional MMA fighters like Mr. Davis competing for MMA promotions across the MMA industry.”
Call for Contractual Reforms
A central aim of the lawsuit is to reform the standard fighter contract structure. Currently, UFC contracts often span multiple bouts over unspecified timeframes, with clauses that can extend exclusivity indefinitely. Davis’s legal team advocates for a model allowing fighters to terminate promotional contracts without penalty after one year, promoting greater mobility and bargaining power within the sport.
Context of Ongoing Legal Challenges
This lawsuit follows a $375 million settlement in a previous class-action suit against the UFC, covering fighters who competed from 2010 to 2017. That case, also handled by the law firm Berger Montague, highlighted similar concerns about the UFC’s dominance and its impact on fighter compensation. The current legal action seeks not monetary damages but structural changes to foster a more competitive and equitable MMA environment.
Phil Davis’s Advocacy
Phil Davis, a former UFC light heavyweight who later competed in Bellator MMA, has been vocal about the need for industry reform. In a prepared statement, he expressed pride in standing up for professional MMA fighters to challenge the UFC’s “stranglehold on the entire sport.”
Implications for the MMA Industry
Should the lawsuit succeed, it could lead to significant changes in how fighter contracts are structured, potentially increasing competition among promotions and improving conditions for fighters across the board. The case underscores ongoing concerns about monopolistic practices within the MMA industry and the need for regulatory scrutiny to ensure fair competition and labor practices.