For nearly a decade, former UFC fighter Mark Hunt has been embroiled in a bitter legal battle with UFC president Dana White and the administration. What began as a lawsuit is a complex story that reflects broader issues in the MMA community.
In 2017, Hunt filed a civil lawsuit against Dana White and former UFC fighter Brock Lesnar, alleging fraud, racketeering, and breach of contract. The lawsuit stems from Lesnar’s fight at UFC 200, in which he defeated Hunter but later tested positive for a banned substance, rendering the result a no-contest. Hunt claims that White and the UFC compromised his safety and compromised the integrity of the sport by allowing Lesnar to compete while impaired by performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
A series of legal events
Despite the seriousness of the charges, Hunt’s case faced significant obstacles in court. In 2019, a Nevada judge dismissed the case for insufficient evidence. Hunt refiled his lawsuit in 2021, but it was dismissed again in 2023.
New evidence and new hope
Recently, Hunt shared new legal documents related to his ongoing case on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. In a fiery post on May 27, 2024, Hunt wrote: “Only a couple days left for the ninth circuit to make their orders 8 years of these scumbags denigrating and degrading my name nearly done writing. @danawhite et al civil-criminal going jail for sure this year u lil bit**.”
Only a couple days left for the ninth circuit to make there orders 8 years of these scumbags denigrating and degrading my name nearly done writing ✍️@danawhite et al 😎 civil- criminal u going jail for sure this year u lil bitch pic.twitter.com/u5uO9OHIjB
— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) May 27, 2024
General terms for UFC
Hunter’s lawsuit is not an isolated one. From 2010 to 2017, nearly 1,200 UFC fighters were involved in antitrust lawsuits, accusing them of unfair business practices and monopolistic practices. Although Hunt’s legal troubles were not connected to the larger lawsuit, the antitrust case had a significant impact.
In 2023, TKO Group Holdings, owner of UFC, agreed to pay a $335 million settlement to settle the allegations. Not only does this decision highlight systemic problems in the UFC but it gives new hope to fighters like Hunt that justice can still be served.
Industry response and future impact
The MMA community is keeping a close eye on these developments. PFL co-founder Donn Davis has spoken out about the impact of this legal battle. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Davis believes this is a very important time for fighters.
“For me, the big difference is not the antitrust lawsuit, the big difference is the emergence of PFL as a universal payment option, with equal distribution, payment, the best option for you,” Davis said. He said the current legal troubles could pave the way for other organizations like the PFL and Bellator MMA to challenge the UFC’s dominance in the sport.
The Changing MMA World
The UFC’s legal troubles, along with the emergence of alternative organizations, represent a major shift in the MMA landscape. Fighters are looking for better wages, fair treatment, and clearer management structures. This changing environment will result in significant changes in how the sport is run and how boxers are treated and treated.
Mark Hunt fights for justice
The MMA world holds its breath as Mark Hunt waits for a decision from Round 1. If the court is on Hunt’s side, he could mark a turning point not only in his fight but also in the general fight against wrongdoing in the UFC. On the other hand, if Hunter’s case is overturned, other fighters will not be able to do so legally.
With all eyes on the court and Dana White, the MMA world is looking forward to the next chapter in this ongoing drama.
