UFC Antitrust Settlement: $375M Deal Gets Final Approval
Final approval ended the Le v. Zuffa fighter antitrust settlement on February 6, 2025. By March 31, 2026, the settlement administrator said more than $237 million had been distributed to 984 claimants in 44 countries. The $375 million agreement covers fighters who competed from December 2010 through June 2017; claims over later contracts remain separate.
What the $375 million settlement covers
Former fighters in Le v. Zuffa alleged that Zuffa used its market position and exclusive contracts to restrain competition and suppress compensation. Zuffa denied wrongdoing. The settlement resolves the certified class claims for athletes who competed from December 16, 2010, through June 30, 2017; it does not cover the later class period.
A previous $335 million agreement covering two cases was rejected by the court in July 2024. In September, the parties reached a revised $375 million deal limited to the Le case. The court granted preliminary approval in October 2024 and final approval on February 6, 2025. TKO’s filing states that the settlement amount was fully paid in June 2025.
The settlement administrator’s March 2026 distribution update reported $237,386,515.53 paid to 984 of 1,088 claimants across 44 countries. Payments to some eligible fighters were still being handled individually because of account, documentation or other payment issues.
Separate claims involving later contracts
The settlement does not resolve every antitrust case involving the promotion. Johnson v. Zuffa covers fighters who competed from July 2017 onward and remains a separate matter. TKO’s June 2026 filing discusses the later litigation separately from the resolved Le settlement.
Those proceedings are at different stages and may seek different relief. The $375 million deal is a finalized settlement for the earlier class period, while later-contract claims continue on their own track.
Why the distinction matters
The current status is clearer: the Le case is approved and payments are underway, but the settlement does not decide the claims of fighters covered by later contracts.
Sources
Tags: UFC, MMA, Antitrust Settlement
