Rumored reveal of documents in UFC lawsuit will expose MMA managers for hurting fighters' interests to line their pockets, says lawyer Erik Magraken 

In the UFC, a proficient manager serves as a crucial ally, adept at steering negotiations, navigating intricate contract details, and helping foster a prosperous career through a fighter's competitive endeavors.

These multifaceted services come at a cost, with fighters relinquishing a portion of their earnings, typically ranging from 5 to over 25 percent (depending on the manager) as compensation for representation. Furthermore, according to a report by The Atheltic, manager-drawn sponsorship deals often entail a 20 percent slice.

Unfortunately, the shadow of the "dirty manager" concept has loomed over combat sports for as long as athletes have sought guidance. This concept, treading the thin line of safeguarding athletes' interests, has witnessed deterioration in numerous fighter-manager partnerships over the years.

Moreover, recent revelations from fighters like UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley have spotlighted allegedly unjust manager practices, shedding light on persisting issues within the sport.

Combat Sports regulatory lawyer Erik Magraken, who has been shedding light on the ongoing lawsuit by over 1200 MMA fighters against the Ultimate Fighting Championship, claimed to lift the veil on documents that will expose MMA managers for hurting fighters' interests to line their pockets. According to Magraken:

"The judge overseeing the antitrust lawsuit against the UFC ordered that all the of the discovery documents are going to be unsealed... It's long been rumored that in those documents are either text messages or emails from managers to the UFC that they are going to take even less money for the fighters than the UFC is willing to offer just so the manager could cozy up to the promoter."

Magraken added:

"If this is true, this is a breach of fiduciary duty. The court holds that if you're a combat sports manager you owe a fiduciary duty to your client. In simple terms, it means you have to put your client's economic interest first."

Catch Erik Magraken's comments below:

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UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley aims to expose the exploitative practices of MMA managers

UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley has taken a stand against the alleged unfair practices of MMA managers. O'Malley, who has been self-managing his career since July last year, claims that many managers extract substantial portions of fighters' earnings without providing commensurate value.

O'Malley emphasized his commitment to ensuring legal compliance before proceeding with his revelations. He disclosed concerns over managers even seeking a percentage from fighters' bonuses, calling attention to what he perceives as a pervasive issue within the industry.

Speaking in an interview with Aaron Bronsteter of TSN, O'Malley stated:

"I'm waiting to release it the right way. I think it'll be a big deal, it will be massive and it will hurt someone's business, and rightfully so. So I'm gonna put it out there the right way. You know, I'm gonna talk to my legal team and make sure doing everything right. But MMA managers are so bad, it's horrible, it embarrassing. You know, they are stealing money from fighters. They are talking percentages of these guys' bonuses. That pis*es be off, to be honest."

Catch O'Malley's comments below: