Context:

UFC fighters are set to receive compensation from a settlement of an antitrust lawsuit, with payments ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million. The lawsuit, which targeted the UFC's restrictive promotional practices between 2010 and 2017, claimed that these practices hindered fighters from negotiating more favorable terms elsewhere, affecting approximately 1,100 fighters. Nearly all eligible fighters have applied for compensation, with significant payouts expected for a substantial number of them. The UFC is also currently facing another antitrust lawsuit, Johnson v. Zuffa, which seeks further damages and changes to the UFC's business practices. Recently, the UFC merged with WWE to form the TKO Group, and its international fight week is underway in Las Vegas, featuring significant title matches.

Dive Deeper:

• The UFC has agreed to a £281 million settlement to compensate fighters who were part of an antitrust lawsuit, which accused the organization of limiting fighters' promotional opportunities between 2010 and 2017.

• Approximately 1,100 fighters were affected by the alleged anti-competitive practices, and 97% of them have applied to receive a portion of the settlement funds, according to the law firm Berger Montague.

• The expected distribution of funds from the settlement will see 35 fighters receiving over $1 million each, nearly 100 fighters getting more than $500,000, over 200 fighters recovering more than $250,000, and more than 500 fighters receiving in excess of $100,000.

• In addition to the settled lawsuit, the UFC is involved in another ongoing antitrust case, Johnson v. Zuffa, which is led by former fighters seeking not only damages but also a revision of the UFC's contract practices.

• The UFC recently merged with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to form a new entity known as the TKO Group, further expanding its reach in the sports entertainment industry.

• During the UFC's international fight week in Las Vegas, high-profile matches are taking place, including Ilia Topuria challenging Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title and Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight title against Kai Kara-France.