The "Ask Erik Magraken" thread: All things combat law related

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Wild

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Since ErikMagraken @ErikMagraken is an active member, instead of doing a Q&A, he agreed to make this thread where members can pick his brain about legal questions, etc.

Thanks for agreeing to this Erik.
 

La Paix

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If somebody wanted to take the lead in organizing fighters for an association or union do they need to be knowledgeable in the practice itself or could one be more of a voice to rally them up?
 

Wild

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ErikMagraken @ErikMagraken - I asked you in the other thread, but I'll ask here. If you were a betting man, what are your odds that we see a Fighters Association organized in the next 12-18 months?
 

La Paix

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Have you ever been approach by a gym or fighter to be on a retainer or are most things dealt with retroactively?
 

La Paix

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This might be a long one to answer but is there a way you could try and sum up the UFC vs Cung Le and Co from the start to the current.t state its at? Not asking for minor details but more so the process and how it will likely progress from here.
 

La Paix

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Has there ever been a case where a fighter has tried to go after another fighter after getting beat up in a sanctioned fight?
 

Priziesthorse

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Ok so say a fighter had their last fight on their UFC contract. Does the Reebok deal affect the UFC's ability to match a free agent's offer made by another organization?
 

ErikMagraken

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If somebody wanted to take the lead in organizing fighters for an association or union do they need to be knowledgeable in the practice itself or could one be more of a voice to rally them up?
If a few high profile fighters took a stand and demanded across the board change I think much could be achieved quickly. This is how many sports associations got their start. That said, it makes sense for the fighters to organize with a knowledgeable person taking the lead. To this end Rob Maysey at MMAFA seems to be doing a good job getting the message out and organizing fighters and managers.
 

ErikMagraken

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ErikMagraken @ErikMagraken - I asked you in the other thread, but I'll ask here. If you were a betting man, what are your odds that we see a Fighters Association organized in the next 12-18 months?
In all the years I've followed the sport I've never seen more momentum for a fighters association than now. Between the Reebok deal, the Anti Trust suits and today's renewed FTC investigation it seems change is on the horizon.
 

ErikMagraken

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Have you ever been approach by a gym or fighter to be on a retainer or are most things dealt with retroactively?
I've been approached to be on retainer for a promotion before. Usually I am approached retroactively when issues arise. I have provided services and consultations to fighters, managers, regulators and law makers drafting legislation.
 

ErikMagraken

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This might be a long one to answer but is there a way you could try and sum up the UFC vs Cung Le and Co from the start to the current.t state its at? Not asking for minor details but more so the process and how it will likely progress from here.
This is a long one. I'll try to tackle it when I can spare a little more time. If you don't you should follow BloodyElbow's coverage of the case as its the most comprehensive out there when breaking all the new developments.
 

ErikMagraken

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Ok so say a fighter had their last fight on their UFC contract. Does the Reebok deal affect the UFC's ability to match a free agent's offer made by another organization?
Hard to see how it wouldn't. These are prize-fighters. Compensation being the most material term of the contract. Having an offer from a promoter for X dollars plus open ended sponsorship opportunities vs. X dollars plus a fixed sponsorship should be able to be distinguished as to which one is most valuable.

That being said, the solution could be for the sponsorship opportunities to be quantified and for the Zuffa offer to be increased by that amount and argue that is a matched offer.
 
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ErikMagraken

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Ever thought about working for an MMA fighter or Org as one of their lawyers?
I have a full time practice in Victoria which I have no desire to leave. As part of my practice I do provide services to individuals and organizations needing assistance with regulatory matters.