Dana White’s Troubles Still Persists Despite Antitrust Lawsuit Settlement as Ex-UFC Fighter Cautions Top Brass

Mark Hunt has fired another salvo at the UFC and Dana White on social media! The former UFC heavyweight star and PRIDE FC legend had been embroiled in a lawsuit against the promotion since 2017 and had put forth allegations of racketeering, fraud, breach of contract, and other claims after his bout against Brock Lesnar at UFC 200.

But in 2023, a Nevada judge ruled that Hunt failed to prove that UFC, Dana White, and Lesnar intentionally deceived him about Lesnar’s PED use and that Hunt’s fraud claims lacked sufficient evidence and relied too much on speculation. But with the recent news about the UFC’s anti-trust lawsuit settlement, the ‘Super Samoan’ took to Instagram and put forth a scathing criticism of the UFC and its executives!

Dana White put on notice by Mark Hunt in a fiery Instagram rant

The saga between Mark Hunt and the UFC began after Brock Lesnar defeated Hunt via a unanimous decision at UFC 200 in 2016. Lesnar however tested positive for banned substances after the fight leading to the win being overturned into a no-contest. However, Hunt pursued legal proceedings against the UFC and alleged the promotion intentionally misled him about Lesnar’s PED usage.

The judge presiding over the case ruled that Hunt’s fraud theories lacked evidence and required too many assumptions for a jury to find in his favor. This prompted Dana White to state in a later interview, “Listen, Mark Hunt has lost so many lawsuits against us, it’s insane. He’s a bit of a delusional guy.”

But in light of the recent reports of the UFC agreeing to a settlement in an anti-trust lawsuit filed against it by former fighters, Hunt took to social media to blast the promotion and Dana White. In a video posted on his Instagram account, he stated, “So, the truth is, there is nothing actually you can do about this Dana White and UFC, your stupid lawyers have dropped the ball so many times in the 9th circuit, you call me f**king dumb, but they’re DUMB. Hunter Campbell and Colby Williams, you’re both stupid, can’t even do jacksh*t filings in the 9th circuit.”

His tirade continued as Hunt further stated, “You ain’t going nowhere, okay, and every single person that sponsors… they’re all going to be suing you also because you going to jail. Your company is done this year. Losers. And you know you call me stupid, YOU’RE STUPID””

The comments reflect deep-seated frustration and disillusionment with the UFC’s handling of his case and broader issues within the organization as demonstrated by the recent anti-trust lawsuit filing and ongoing debates about the treatment of fighters in the promotion.

Read More: Fighters Demands Will Not Be Met by Dana White and Co. Despite $335M Settlement as Claimed by UFC Veteran

However, according to the co-founder of PFL, the anti-trust lawsuit may not be all bad for the fighters as he revealed the new dynamics in play in the world of MMA!

Donn Davis puts forth a unique perspective on UFC’s settlement news 

With the news of the UFC’s settlement in the anti-trust lawsuits, Donn Davis, co-founder of the PFL (Professional Fighters League), shared his thoughts on the massive story shortly after it broke. In his appearance on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Davis stated “My main thought is what I’ve been consistently saying: If you’re a top fighter, or you’re an emerging star, it’s the best time in the market for you.”

Davis believes that having multiple options is crucial for fighters in negotiations and also reiterated that the PFL, following its merger with Bellator MMA, is poised to become a leading force in the MMA world alongside the UFC.

While acknowledging the UFC’s dominance, Davis stated, “To me, the biggest difference is not the antitrust lawsuit, the biggest difference is the emergence of PFL to be a premium option on a global scale with the same distribution, the same ability to pay, the same great option for you.”

As the sport continues to evolve, the balance of power between promoters and athletes may undergo significant shifts, reshaping the future of MMA. What do you think about the details surrounding the UFC’s anti-trust lawsuit? And is Mark Hunt correct in his criticism of the promotion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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