There is little dispute that UFC fighters would take pleasure in benefits from forming a meaningful union or players association. The benefits are so evident that the UFC’s own lawyers, in court filings, essentially mocked fighters for their low pay arguing that absent a union the UFC’s roster must not expect a profits split similar to that took pleasure in in major professional sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB.
So why has the UFC roster been so slow to organize? Some point the finger at fighter managers, some of whom prevent their clients from joining labor organization efforts.
Given the presumed legal and financial advantages to organization, why would some managers oppose these efforts? It may be that they are putting their own interests ahead of their clients. One hallmark of players associations is the imposition of quality control procedures on managers and limitations on compensation for managers.
For example, the NFLPA requires managers to certified. They need to have a degree from an recognized college or university and their fees are capped at 3%.
The MLBPA requires that agents only charge fees on salaries negotiated over and above the league’s collectively bargained minimum.
The NBPA requires agents to be certified and requires agents to have a degree from an recognized university or college. The association also lists prohibited conduct by agents, a breach of which can cause stripping of certification.
The Camiseta Corinthians Paulista NHLPA requires agent certification and requires that a player pocket at least the league minimum collectively bargained salary after the agent takes their cut.
If the UFC’s roster was to organize it is not a stretch to imagine similar restrictions on management pay being imposed. It does not take a deep thinker to see Camiseta Selección de fútbol de Países Bajos why some managers would be opposed to an MMA players association or Union.
This is Camiseta FC Utrecht where things become legally troubling. If agents are placing their own interests over those of their clients they are in breach of a fiduciary duty.
A fiduciary task is a the highest legal task between people. It is imposed in the agency relationship. In short it indicates agents need to act in their clients best interests, not placing their own financial interests above their clients. If agents breach this fiduciary task they can be exposed to a suit for damages for harming their clients interests.
If you are an active roster UFC fighter and your manager does not want you joining union/association efforts ask why not? get all the facts on the table. From there make an informed decision about whether organizing is in your best interests.
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