New group forms to start UFC fighters union

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Ryann Von Doom

The Man
Jan 28, 2015
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Imagine a sport where the fighters own their likeness, have a retirement plan, are able to promote individual sponsors again during fight week, receive paid medical leave, etc. IMO that's much needed progress. $4 billion folks. Think about that for a second.
Good thing those that paved the way get nothing for their efforts.
 

DFW4L

15 events before the end of 2016 - YOU'RE WELCOME!
Mar 23, 2016
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So why does this union only apply to the ufc?
Because it is founded with the intention of being profitable for the creators...

no one can deny that is the only possible logical answer to that totally relevant question, they goofed big time using 'UFC' in their initial communication

...are they trying to organize to protect pro fighters or just the pro fighters that work for a highly profitable company? I think this is rather transparent.
 
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DFW4L

15 events before the end of 2016 - YOU'RE WELCOME!
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Imagine a sport where the fighters own their likeness, have a retirement plan, are able to promote individual sponsors again during fight week, receive paid medical leave, etc. IMO that's much needed progress. $4 billion folks. Think about that for a second.
Would you see them becoming employees as necessary for benefits like paid medical leave and retirement plans?

Those would be insane things to offer to contractors that work with the company for just a few years on average, and converting them to 'employees' would require the UFC to do it because they want to, which will never happen, and none of these founders are going to pro-bono the time/money into forcing that issue in court.
 

DFW4L

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what happened to the lawsuit with cung lee et all
That is all Maysey (Rob Maysey of the 'MMAFA' aka macedawg on the UG aka the guy with 10 million anti-ziffa posts)...

I think the consensus here is that this org leaves him in the dust (based on the cred of founders)
 

DFW4L

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The Fighter union isnt about a hand full of fighters theis will be all across the sport. Anyway I dont see Jones as a fighter for atleast 2 years.. he is old news
According to their press release this is UFC specific
 

Wild

Zi Nazi
Admin
Dec 31, 2014
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Would you see them becoming employees as necessary for benefits like paid medical leave and retirement plans?

Those would be insane things to offer to contractors that work with the company for just a few years on average, and converting them to 'employees' would require the UFC to do it because they want to, which will never happen, and none of these founders are going to pro-bono the time/money into forcing that issue in court.
From where I'm sitting, they are employees. The company owns their likeness rights, negotiates apparel deals on their behalf, etc. The term "Independent Contractor" is convenient for the UFC when they want to argue what is not owed to the fighters.
 

DFW4L

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From where I'm sitting, they are employees. The company owns their likeness rights, negotiates apparel deals on their behalf, etc. The term "Independent Contractor" is convenient for the UFC when they want to argue what is not owed to the fighters.
Definetly, and I see no way this group changes that

also, if UFC fighters become FT UFC employees then the UFC can dictate their day-to-day training/preparation - right?

an employee has dictated to him/her who they report to (trainers?), where they work (gyms), their shift (when/how often), etc
 

Wild

Zi Nazi
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Dec 31, 2014
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Definetly, and I see now way this group changes that

also, if UFC fighters become FT UFC employees then the UFC can dictate their day-to-day training/preparation - right?

an employee has dictated to him/her who they report to (trainers?), where they work (gyms), their shift (when/how often), etc
I dont see that happening.
 

DFW4L

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I dont see that happening.
You envision a scenario in which an employer is unable to dictate their employees time/place of employment?

Currently with IC status and bout agreements: UFC calls IC and suggests opponent and when, if agreed to the IC signs a bout agreement, then shows up on fight week

UFC with FT fighters as employees: you ARE fighting ___ on ____, you are training with team ___, trained by _____, report to work on _____'
 

Wild

Zi Nazi
Admin
Dec 31, 2014
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You envision a scenario in which an employer is unable to dictate their employees time/place of employment?

Currently with IC status and bout agreements: UFC calls IC and suggests opponent and when, if agreed to the IC signs a bout agreement, then shows up on fight week

UFC with FT fighters as employees: you ARE fighting ___ on ____, you are training with team ___, trained by _____, report to work on _____'
I obviously have no idea how it will play out, but I dont see that scenario happening. If the fighters assemble and allow Borris & Middlebrook to do what they do best, I think they (and us fans) are going to be surprised at what's negotiated. They have all of the leverage...they just havent realized it yet.
 

Wild

Zi Nazi
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Dec 31, 2014
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Another thing to keep in mind is, WME-IMG just bought this thing and they expect a return on their investment. Last thing they're going to want is the fighters potentially sitting on the sidelines while this goes thru litigation. The barriers to get this done will never be as favorable to the fighters as they are right now.
 

DFW4L

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I obviously have no idea how it will play out, but I dont see that scenario happening. If the fighters assemble and allow Borris & Middlebrook to do what they do best, I think they (and us fans) are going to be surprised at what's negotiated. They have all of the leverage...they just havent realized it yet.
No doubt, if they assemble they have the upper hand bigtime, I don't pay to watch Dana fight....

Assembling 500+ athletes from over 20 countries that have extremely different compensation rates is going to be one hell of a task.
 

FadeToBlack

Rear Naked Poke
Mar 15, 2015
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Well the fighters have to be employees to form a Union. So until they are recognised as that then any Union is a non-starter.
Is there any doubt they'll be recognized as employees, given the control promoters have over fights? (see correct Americanized spelling as underlined :sunglasses:)
 

Wild

Zi Nazi
Admin
Dec 31, 2014
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I actually thought scott boras night be the one to elevate mma pay but he is in he same league of agent.
Jeff Borris is a well-known American sports agent and attorney who has represented hundreds of Major League Baseball players over the past 30 years. The TV show Arliss was loosely based on the life of Borris. He's considered one of the top baseball salary arbitration experts in the world and has reportedly delivered some of the most lucrative player contracts in baseball history. Clients claim Borris has a way of getting deals done and his 24/7 work ethic is renowned throughout the industry. With over $1 billion worth of contracts negotiated, including breaking the salary barrier multiple times, he is easily one of the most influential managers in baseball history.

He gets shit done.
 

Zeph

TMMAC Addict
Jan 22, 2015
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Is there any doubt they'll be recognized as employees, given the control promoters have over fights? (see correct Americanized spelling as underlined :sunglasses:)
I would imagine that WME-IMG will fight it, regardless. Which means the process could take a long time.
 

bully4me

Well-Known Member
Aug 10, 2015
466
668
Definetly, and I see no way this group changes that

also, if UFC fighters become FT UFC employees then the UFC can dictate their day-to-day training/preparation - right?

an employee has dictated to him/her who they report to (trainers?), where they work (gyms), their shift (when/how often), etc
There are a many interesting aspects here and valid points in this entire discussion. Reading your posts regarding fighters becoming employees, if that were to happen couldn't the UFC (now being an employer) say the "employed fighters" can ONLY work for the UFC? Not letting them have other jobs outside of fighting such as broadcasting, coaching, or any other outside pursuit? I've seen many companies not let employees "moonlight". That is certainly something you cant stop a contract worker from doing?

Something definatley NEEDS to happen regarding Fighter Pay. This being pointed soley at the UFC and not MMA doesn't seem right. Bellator and the WSOF are even worse as far as paying entry level fighters. A couple of cards back I remember seeing the Bellator Prelim posted Pay and it ranged from 1k show- 2k win to 1.5K show - 3k win (these guys are NOT making big sponsor dollars either). To not try and unionize ALL MMA Fighters and only UFC Fighters is wrong and it could hurt them going forward. The question is what would be the best way for fighters to collectively get together for better conditions and PAY? I see your points and think some are valid but what alternatives are there?
 

bully4me

Well-Known Member
Aug 10, 2015
466
668
Any opinions out there on how this could effect the UFC sale? It's not completely finished yet, could this put a stop to the entire thing? WOuld it not have been better to wait till the new regime has fully taken over to start this? Any thoughts?