Yesterday, an historical moment in the sport made headlines when the Professional Fighter’s Association announced its formation and plans to collectively bargain the terms and conditions of employment on behalf of UFC fighters. It’s not the first fighter’s association, but it does claim to have serious powerhouse backing from other sports’ union leaders.
Three things should be noted with this announcement:
1. Auspicious timing just weeks after the announced $4B sale of the UFC
2. PFA will only represent UFC fighters
3. MMAFA’s (the first fighter’s association) tireless efforts to bring the Ali Act to MMA
The MMAFA issued its own statement urging fighters and managers to decline requests from entities offering to assist in organizing a fighter’s union, which can be read here.