UFC Fighters Are Taking a Beating Because They are Misclassified as Independent Contractors. An Employee Classification Would Change the Fight Game for the UFC, Its Fighters, and MMA

Authors

Vincent Salminen

Abstract

The current state of affairs in the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) is overwhelmingly in favor of the companies promoting the fights and not in favor of the athletes actually putting their health and lives at risk. This article looks at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and how it classifies its fighters as independent contractors rather than employees, even though it treats the fighters more like employees. This article addresses issues fighters are having with the current classification and then examines how the fighters could be classified as employees. Finally, the article will address what an employee classification would mean for the UFC, its fighters, and MMA in general.

Recommended Citation

Vincent Salminen, UFC Fighters Are Taking a Beating Because They are Misclassified as Independent Contractors. An Employee Classification Would Change the Fight Game for the UFC, Its Fighters, and MMA, 7 Pace. Intell. Prop. Sports & Ent. L.F. 193 (2017).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58948/2329-9894.1062
Available at: https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/pipself/vol7/iss1/5