Judge Rejects $335M UFC Antitrust Settlement

A U.S. District Judge, Richard Boulware, has denied a preliminary $335 million settlement in the UFC antitrust lawsuit, which could have ended decade-long litigation involving alleged anti-competitive practices by the UFC. Despite the proposed settlement offering significant payouts to fighters, Boulware expressed concerns about the fairness of the deal and found the amount relatively low. The judge has set a new tentative trial date for October 28, 2024, with a status conference scheduled for August 19. The lawsuit claims the UFC used improper strategies to dominate the MMA market, suppressing fighter wages and harming other promotions. Attorneys for the fighters had argued that the settlement would provide immediate relief, but Boulware's decision leaves open the potential for a lengthy trial and possible appeals.