Former high-ranked UFC light heavyweight Phil Davis, who spent five years with the promotion, is now leading a new legal challenge aimed at fundamentally changing how the UFC operates. His goal is to ensure fighters, including himself, can compete against the sport`s elite.
Filed in late May, this antitrust lawsuit against the UFC, fronted by Davis, is distinct from other recent cases. It doesn`t seek financial compensation, unlike a $375 million settlement case and another ongoing one. Instead, it targets specific business practices: amending contracts, removing restrictive clauses, and adding a “sunset provision” allowing fighters to terminate their contracts within a year without penalty.
Davis explained that his primary motivation is the ability for fighters to pursue the most significant opportunities available in the sport, an option that was denied to him after he left the UFC.
Speaking to MMA Fighting, Davis emphasized that fighting isn`t just a hobby for him. He feels his capacity to compete against the world`s top fighters is hindered outside the UFC, calling it a “real miscarriage of justice.” He recalled his dominant win over Glover Teixeira and wanting a rematch when Teixeira became UFC champion, but promotional barriers prevented it. Davis believes he could beat him again.
He stressed that high-level professional athletes compete primarily to be the best and test themselves against the absolute top competitors, and that`s the principle he is championing through this lawsuit.
While financial gain is a factor for professional fighters, Davis reiterated that this specific lawsuit is purely focused on forcing the UFC to alter its business methods.
His main objective is the removal of restrictive contract terms, such as those that blocked a potential rematch with a UFC champion like Teixeira simply because Davis was signed with a rival promotion.
Davis stated plainly that he isn`t seeking any personal damages or money and hasn`t been promised anything. His sole desire is for all competitors to have the chance to fight the best.
He wants to see elite-level fighters compete against each other for the benefit of everyone involved – fighters and fans alike. He suggested only one party stands to lose (implying the UFC`s current model). He stressed that this is not a personal vendetta but a necessary step.
Drawing on his background as an NCAA wrestling champion for Penn State, Davis found the idea of not being allowed to compete against athletes from different college conferences to be absurd.
Davis believes a successful outcome in his lawsuit would positively impact every fighter in MMA today.
He argued that no other major sports league operates like the UFC. He used the example of collegiate wrestling, where top teams from different conferences (like Penn State vs. Oklahoma State) schedule dual meets specifically to determine who is superior. This is standard practice in sports.
He concluded this point by saying this is simply how sports should function: teams or individuals challenging the top contenders to prove their own standing.
As MMA`s global popularity grows, Davis feels these changes are vital not only for the fighters but for the overall health and fairness of the combat sports market.
He noted that while MMA has evolved significantly, its current contractual practices are outdated, restrictive, and unfair. He believes anyone ranked among the world`s best should automatically have the opportunity to compete against the world`s best.
Oliver Croft