What's next after approval of UFC $375M antitrust settlement

The reasons behind Judge Boulware's approval. Plus, who gets paid first? And who's objecting?

Lead plaintiffs and their counsel in UFC antitrust lawsuit (UFCClassAction.com)

Judge Richard Boulware was satisfied with the proposed $375 million dollar UFC antitrust settlement and relieved to grant preliminary approval.

In the judge’s words during Tuesday’s court hearing, people are ready to move on.

The stakes couldn’t have been clearer for both the plaintiff’s attorneys and UFC. Either win preliminary approval or prepare for trial.

In the end, fighters in the Cung Le class from 2010-2017 will receive compensation.

The UFC will end up as the big winner long-term.

The settlement is largely baked into TKO’s current stock price as a tax-deductible, three-payment structured deal. TKO shareholders will be picking up the tab.

The TKO share price dropped 2% on extremely low volume.

In our most recent article reviewing the proposed $375 million UFC antitrust settlement, I joked that attorney Rob Maysey would benefit from the Santa Claus effect. Perhaps he may still carry some Christmas charm. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that now preliminary approval has been granted, the plaintiffs attorneys will be targeted by various actors.

How did Judge Boulware make his decision to grant preliminary approval of the $375 million UFC antitrust settlement? Based on extensive interviews with multiple people inside the Federal courtroom for the hearing, we have a pretty good idea as to how the proposed settlement addressed Judge Boulware’s concerns.

Let’s take a look at what exactly happened inside the courtroom.