MMA fighters file antitrust lawsuit against UFC

A group of three mixed martial artists headed by Cung Le filed an antitrust lawsuit against the Las Vegas-based Zuffa LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, on Tuesday in San Jose, Calif.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court by Le, Jon Fitch and Nate Quarry, alleges the UFC is a monopoly that limits the earning ability of fighters and eliminates competition.

Le, the only fighter of the three currently under contract with the UFC, said he no longer would compete for the organization. The suit seeks class-action status so more fighters can be added in the future.

UFC officials declined comment except for a statement posted on the organization’s website.

“The UFC is aware of the action filed today but has not been served, nor has it had the opportunity to review the document,” the statement read. “The UFC will vigorously defend itself and its business practices.”