Report: Federal Trade Commission Contacting MMA Industry Vets Regarding UFC
By FCF Staff
Approximately four months after the Ultimate Fighting Championship was served a class action lawsuit by several fighters, reports have surfaced that the Federal Trade Commission is inquiring about the promotion’s business practices.
The FTC opened an anti-trust investigation on the UFC in 2012, after the promotion’s parent company Zuffa, purchased Strikeforce. The FTC determined at the time, however, that no further action was required.
According to a new report from MMA Junkie.com, sources have informed the outlet that the FTC has been contacting veterans of the MMA industry, and asking them about the UFC. According to one source, the FTC has elected to do so, as a result of the aforementioned lawsuit, which accuses the UFC of violating the anti-trust act. Several veteran fighters, including Jon Fitch, Cung Le and Nate Quarry, among others, are part of the suit.
Bloody Elbow.com is also reporting that sources have confirmed that the FTC has contacted several fighters, managers and promoters regarding the UFC.
After the lawsuit was filed against the UFC in December, the promotion promised to “vigorously defend itself and its business practices.”