"How much do I get?" - Recently released UFC vet reacts to promotion's $375 million settlement
UFC veteran Brian Kelleher hopes to score some cash after the promotion settled an antitrust lawsuit for millions of dollars.
Earlier this week, Judge Richard Boulware approved the UFC's offer of $375 million to conclude a lawsuit that started a decade ago. The legal filing initially started with Cung Le and other promotional veterans, who accused the UFC of using specific methods to take over and control the MMA landscape.
Le and company agreed to a settlement of $335 million earlier this year, which was also supposed to settle another lawsuit for fighters over the last few years. Instead, the judge kept the legal actions separate and wanted an increase in reparations for the pre-2017 group, leading to the previously mentioned $375 million.
MMA Fighting recently confirmed the approval by Judge Boulware with a post on Instagram. Former UFC fighter Brian Kelleher took to the comment section and shared the following response:
"How much do I get? I can use the cash."
Kelleher made his UFC debut in June 2017, so it's unclear if he's eligible for any of the $375 million settlement. 'Boom' fought in the Octagon 17 times, leading to an 8-9 promotional record. The 38-year-old was released following four consecutive losses, all inside the distance.
Sam Alvey responds to settlement by defending UFC of any wrongdoing
The UFC antitrust lawsuits have been a controversial topic in the MMA community for several years. Many people voiced their support for Cung Le and others leading the charge, while others sided with the UFC, claiming every fighter knew what they were signing up for when joining the promotion.
Former UFC fighter Sam Alvey also responded on MMA Fighting's Instagram post. The 24-fight promotional veteran had this to say:
"I dont understand how they won. I fought in the UFC all of those years and read every contract i was offered. I signed them because it was good for me and my family. I had kids the for the first contract and a lot of kids for the last one too. Everything the ufc offered me was more than fair and i chose to sign it. They didn’t force anything"
Sam Alvey fought in the UFC from 2014 to 2022. The 38-year-old endured a nine-fight winless streak (one draw) before parting ways with the promotion. Since then, Alvey has secured three wins in Karate Combat to become their heavyweight champion.