Veteran mixed martial arts fighter Phil Davis, known for his successful five-year tenure in the UFC where he consistently ranked among the top light heavyweights, is now spearheading a significant legal effort. His aim is to fundamentally reform how the Ultimate Fighting Championship conducts its business, driven by his desire to continue proving himself against the sport`s elite competitors.
Filed in late May, this new antitrust lawsuit against the UFC features Davis as a key plaintiff. Unlike previous high-profile cases—one settled for $375 million and another still in progress—this action uniquely seeks no monetary compensation. Instead, Davis`s lawsuit is laser-focused on compelling changes to the UFC`s business practices, specifically targeting contract modifications, the elimination of restrictive or exclusionary clauses, and the introduction of a “sunset provision” allowing fighters to terminate their contracts without penalty within one year of signing.
For Davis, the core issue is enabling fighters to pursue the most significant competitive opportunities available, something he felt was denied to him after leaving the UFC.
“The reality is, I don`t do this just for enjoyment,” Davis stated. “My ability to compete against the world`s top fighters has been restricted. That`s not possible outside the UFC. It feels like a genuine injustice. There was a time I was the Bellator champion, and shortly after, Glover Teixeira became the UFC champion. I had previously secured a very decisive win over Glover Teixeira, yet I wasn`t in a position to capitalize on the chance [for a rematch]. He`s the world`s best at that point; I wouldn`t diminish his achievement. He earned it. I genuinely believe I could defeat him again. The current situation simply isn`t right.”
“Everyone involved in high-level professional sports participates to be the best,” he continued. “You compete against the best to demonstrate you are the best in the world, and that is my sole objective in this fight—to be the best globally.”
While financial incentives are inherent to professional combat sports, Davis asserts that the primary focus of this particular lawsuit is to compel the UFC to alter its operational model.
His strongest hope is the removal of restrictive contract terms, like those that effectively prevented any possibility of a potential rematch against a UFC champion like Teixeira simply because Davis was competing under a different promotional banner.
“I am not seeking any damages, nor am I pursuing any form of financial payment,” Davis affirmed. “I haven`t been promised anything. My only desire is the ability to fight the best, and I want this opportunity not just for myself, but for every other competitor.”
“If you`re at that level, you should have the chance to fight the best globally. Why would I not advocate for that for you? I want it for myself. I want it for anyone in this sport—the ability to be the best, compete against the best, and deliver the most exciting fights for the fans. Everyone benefits. There`s only one potential entity that might `lose`. This isn`t a personal vendetta; it`s simply what needs to happen.”
Davis, who was an NCAA wrestling champion at Penn State, finds the idea preposterous that he would have been prevented from competing against other top collegiate wrestlers merely because they belonged to a different conference.
He is confident that if his lawsuit is successful, the positive outcomes will extend to every fighter currently competing in mixed martial arts.
“No other sports league operates this way,” Davis commented. “Even in college sports, cross-conference competition happens. We had a dual meet against Oklahoma State; they were in a completely different conference. We`d schedule them for big national duals or specific meets. We were ranked No. 2, they were No. 1 at the time. We had that meet, and Penn State won.”
“We emerged victorious, and that`s how sports should function. You aim for the top spot, they held it, we scheduled the competition, and we came out on top. That benefits everyone.”
As MMA`s popularity continues to grow globally, Davis feels these proposed changes are essential not just for the fighters but for the overall health and integrity of the combat sports market.
“MMA has developed immensely and is definitely progressing,” Davis stated. “However, the current practices are antiquated, restrictive, and frankly, everyone deserves the right to challenge the world`s best. Once you achieve a world ranking, you should have the opportunity to compete against the world`s absolute best.”
