#United States #Philadelphia #MMA Fighters #Berger Montague #UFC Class Action

Berger Montague Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against UFC

In a significant legal move, Berger Montague, a well-regarded law firm known for its plaintiff advocacy, has initiated an antitrust class action lawsuit targeting Zuffa LLC, TKO Group Holdings, Inc., and Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., the companies behind the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This lawsuit represents the interests of professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters competing outside of the UFC.

The key figure in this legal action is Phil Davis, a seasoned MMA fighter currently contracted with another MMA organization. This lawsuit alleges that the UFC's practices have hindered the ability of alternative MMA promotions to attract top-tier fighters, severely limiting competition within the sport. According to Eric Cramer, the firm’s chairman and primary attorney for the plaintiffs, “This suit aims to show that the UFC engaged in a predatory scheme designed to maintain its dominance and suppress the careers and earnings of fighters not associated with them.”

Instead of pursuing monetary damages, the lawsuit seeks an injunction against the UFC to prevent what it describes as illegal anti-competitive behavior. The goal is to create a more equitable environment for competition among professional MMA promotions, thus enhancing the careers and incomes of fighters across the entire industry. Phil Davis expressed his determination to fight for the rights of MMA professionals, stating, “I am proud to stand up for professional MMA fighters to unlock the UFC’s stranglehold on the entire sport.”

Berger Montague has a firm history of challenging the UFC. This latest class action continues a legacy of legal battles following a landmark settlement of $375 million for over 1,100 former UFC fighters, which emerged after a lengthy ten-year dispute aimed at achieving economic justice.

The firm is unrelenting in its commitment to advocating for MMA fighters affected by the UFC’s allegedly illegitimate practices, as it seeks to elevate the standards of conduct in mixed martial arts. Alongside Phil Davis, the legal team comprises prominent attorneys including Joshua P. Davis, F. Paul Bland, and Patrick F. Madden.

Moreover, Berger Montague represents various proposed classes of UFC fighters involved in legal actions such as Johnson v. Zuffa, LLC and Cirkunovs v. Zuffa, LLC, which aim to not only claim damages but also secure injunctive relief against anti-competitive activities exhibited by the UFC.

As a leader in complex civil litigation, Berger Montague’s fight against antitrust violations extends beyond MMA. With over 50 years of experience and more than $60 billion recovered for its clients, the firm remains a pivotal player in advocating for consumer rights across diverse sectors. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Berger Montague also operates in multiple locations including Chicago, San Diego, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.

For further inquiries, you can reach out to Eric Cramer, Michael Dell'Angelo, or Rob Maysey from the firm who are leading this case. The integrity of professional MMA fights and the livelihood of countless fighters could hinge on the outcome of this groundbreaking lawsuit.