UFC amends contracts, disables fighters from suing the organisation in future  

A plethora of new changes to the UFC promotional agreement renders fighters unable to sue the promotion in the future.

The seemingly one-sided amendment to the promotion's contractual agreements was reported by the MMA website Bloody Elbow based on several new contracts obtained by the publication.

A major revision renders the fighters unable to take the promotion to court in case of disagreements, instead, issues will now have to be resolved through arbitration:

"This agreement to arbitrate is in consideration of Fighter’s contract with ZUFFA. Both ZUFFA and Fighter understand that by using arbitration to resolve disputes they are giving up any right that they may have to a judge or jury trial with regard to all claims subject to this agreement to arbitrate. [as per documents obtained by Bloody Elbow]"

Arbitration is a process when a neutral third party [other than a court in this case] makes an amicable and final decision to solve disputes. Additionally, section 25 of the reworked agreement also waivers the athlete’s right to file a class action lawsuit against the MMA promotion:

“Waiver of Class, Collective, and Representative Actions. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the parties agree that no claims may be initiated or maintained on a class action, collective action, or representative action basis either in court or arbitration. This means that neither party may serve or participate as a class, collective, or representative action representative or member in any proceeding as to Covered Claims either in court or in arbitration. [Via Bloody Elbow]”

The UFC has always been known for its stringent and restrictive contract clauses. Earlier this year, former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou left the UFC after failed contract negotiations.

Catch Francis Ngannou's comments on the restrictive UFC contract below:

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How has the Sunset clause changed as per the new UFC contract agreement?

The Sunset clause, in the case of sports, is a provision by which an athlete's commitment to a promotion will be automatically terminated after a fixed time period.

As per the reworked UFC contract agreement, UFC fighters will now essentially be subjected to a longer Sunset clause period with the clock starting from the date of the athlete's first fight instead of the date the contract was signed.

Also, from now on, suspension periods arising from medical or other reasons will no longer be counted towards the Sunset period:

"The Agreement will not be extended pursuant to this Section IV beyond the date which is five (5) years after Fighter’s first Bout under this Agreement, provided that any period of time in which Fighter is unable or unwilling to compete because he/she has been suspended or revoked by an Athletic Commission or anti-doping agency shall not be counted towards such five (5) year maximum term length."