Renato Moicano Turned Down UFC Settlement – Fans React

Renato Moicano, the UFC lightweight, has explained why he refused the settlement money offered to him as part of the UFC antitrust lawsuit agreement.

Moicano was one of many fighters involved in the class-action lawsuit, which accused the UFC of breaching antitrust laws to form a monopoly, thus controlling how much fighters could earn. A settlement for $375 million was eventually reached, but Moicano chose to turn down the financial offer. Moicano clarified his stance, stating that he does not believe the UFC is a monopoly, which played a key role in his refusal to accept the settlement. However, not everyone saw it that way, resulting in many talking points from MMA fans.

"The lawsuit was about labeling UFC as a monopoly, but I don’t think UFC is a monopoly. If they were, there would be legal barriers that prevent other shows coming in. UFC is better than the competition. It’s not up to the government or the judges to decide what is right or wrong. I believe in a free market and people making their own decisions," Moicano said

Implications

Nevertheless, it is important to bear in mind the following. The antitrust lawsuit argued that the UFC is the overwhelmingly dominant MMA fighter service. This means that if a fighter wants to make a living at the highest level of the sport, they essentially have no other viable option than to sign with the UFC.

The UFC’s contracts means fighters are locked into exclusive contracts, while the UFC has a history of acquiring rival promotions, such as PRIDE FC, WEC, and Strikeforce. A fighter who is unhappy with their pay or contract should have the leverage to negotiate with other promotions to drive up their value. However, the UFC’s contractual practices severely limit a fighter’s ability to do this.

While Moicano’s decision is based on a personal belief, it’s also a choice that has an impact beyond his own finances. By refusing the settlement money and publicly defending the UFC, he is arguably undermining the fight that a large group of his fellow fighters waged.

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