In a concerning development, numerous UFC athletes are reportedly hesitant to claim their portion of the $375 million antitrust settlement due to fears of potential repercussions from the organization.
Combat sports lawyer Erik Magraken has brought attention to this issue after Rose Gracie revealed that many fighters eligible for settlement money have expressed reluctance to pursue their claims, worried about “not wanting to piss off the UFC.”
This sentiment was echoed by former UFC athlete Roxanne Modiferri, who acknowledged that while she feels comfortable claiming her share as a retired competitor, she might have been apprehensive about doing so as an active roster member.
“It’s unfortunate if you’re scared of the UFC,” Magraken stated, emphasizing that the organization actively wants to pay this settlement and avoid trial. “The money does not go back to the UFC. You’re just going to rip yourself off of money that you should have had coming your way during your career.”
A key point of confusion among athletes appears to be the claim process itself. Fighters do not need to approach the UFC directly to receive their settlement funds. Instead, an independent claims administrator handles all distributions, creating a buffer between the athletes and the organization.
The $375 million settlement stems from the Lee versus Zufa antitrust class action lawsuit. The UFC has requested court approval for the settlement, demonstrating their willingness to resolve the matter through financial compensation rather than continued litigation.
Magraken strongly advises eligible fighters not to turn a blind eye to the settlement, stating they would be foregoing rightfully owed compensation “for no good reason.”
