A recent court decision has barred thirteen key witnesses, including some prominent fighters, from testifying on behalf of the UFC in its upcoming antitrust trial. Judge Richard Boulware ruled that the defense had not properly disclosed these witnesses, leading to their exclusion from the trial. This decision has affected well-known figures such as Michael Bisping, Chael Sonnen, and Michael Chandler, who were expected to provide testimony in support of the UFC. The trial, which represents over 1,200 fighters, is set to commence on April 15 in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada.
The lawsuit against the UFC alleges that the organization operates as a monopsony and engages in anticompetitive practices to suppress athlete wages. The plaintiffs argue that the 13 witnesses were either not disclosed at all or disclosed too late for them to be deposed. This led to accusations of “trial by ambush” by Eric Cramer, an attorney for the plaintiffs, during a hearing. The defense, however, maintains that the names of potential witnesses were previously mentioned in documents and by the plaintiffs, denying any element of surprise.
In addition to fighters such as Bisping, Sonnen, and Chandler, other notable figures such as Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Miesha Tate were also named as potential witnesses for the defense. The exclusion of these witnesses, along with five managers and three UFC employees, raises questions about the breadth of perspectives that will be presented in the trial. The defense expressed disappointment in the ruling, emphasizing the need for a diverse range of testimonies to reflect the experiences of UFC athletes.
While the defense faced setbacks in terms of witness testimony, Judge Boulware ruled in their favor on several other aspects of the case. Restrictions were placed on the use of video footage related to production costs and discussions regarding the promotion’s history and likeness disputes. Despite ongoing mediation for a potential settlement, the plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages ranging from $84 million to $1.6 billion, without seeking changes to the UFC’s business practices. A separate lawsuit, Johnson v. Zuffa, is also pending, with plaintiffs seeking class certification.
The exclusion of key witnesses in the UFC antitrust trial has raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the legal proceedings. While the defense maintains confidence in their case, the plaintiffs continue to push for accountability and redress for alleged anticompetitive practices within the promotion. As the trial date approaches, the UFC and its adversaries will navigate a complex legal landscape to determine the outcome of this high-profile case.
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