What's the difference between an association and a union? What could a professional association do for fighters? How could fighters become employees and not independent contractors? To answer these questions and more we spoke with Professor Zev J. Eigen, an MMA fan and an expert in labor law.
In the wake of the announced pay tiers for the UFC's Reebok apparel deal and the unveiling of the their drug testing policy, there has been a great deal of discussion around the subjects of unions, associations, and collective bargaining for fighters in MMA. Current fighters like Matt Mitrione, Ryan Jimmo, and, perhaps most surprising, featherweight champion Jose Aldo, have all shared their thoughts on the subject, while retired fighters have engaged in twitter debates over it.