UFC hires high-profile attorneys to defend antitrust lawsuit
Following a class-action lawsuit filed by at least seven fighters, the UFC has officially hired legal representation to battle back against the antitrust allegations being levied against them in a California court.
The suit was initially filed by former fighters Nate Quarry and Jon Fitch along with Cung Le, who is still under contract with the UFC but has stated he has 'no intention' of fighting for the promotion. Since the initial filing, Brandon Vera, Dennis Hallman, Pablo Garza and Javier Vazquez have also joined the class-action suit.
Now the UFC has fired back with the hiring of a law firm to represent them in the suit.
The attorneys of Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP will take up the litigation for the UFC in the matter of the recently filed antitrust lawsuit.
"We have built a popular business from modest beginnings by meeting the needs of fans and fighters. Millions of people have watched our bouts, we have instituted leading health and safety measures for our athletes, and fighters are free to negotiate contract terms," said UFC officials via a statement released on Tuesday.
"We will stand up against the plaintiffs in this litigation every step of the way, and have engaged attorneys from Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP with a depth of experience in antitrust issues. We are proud of the company we have built, confident in our legal position, and intend to prevail in this lawsuit."
The law firm hired by the UFC is no stranger to major antitrust cases and high-profile cases in general. The attorneys have worked in several antitrust suits, including working for plaintiffs such as Delta airlines, Southwestern Bell, and Universal Music.
"The antitrust laws have long favored companies that create new products and services that consumers want," Bill Isaacson, the lead litigator on the case stated. "That is exactly what the UFC has done here through its long and substantial investment in building a popular sport."
Now that the UFC has officially hired an attorney to represent them in the matter, the case can move forward. Many antitrust suits take years to go through the court system, so don't expect a result any time in the near futire.
