Those who engage in online sports betting have had UFC 200 at the forefront of their mind for quite some time now, but even though that date is closer than ever it seems there are other pressing issues within the UFC. Ever since Mark Hunt lost by decision to Brock Lesnar the need for a fighters union within the UFC has been apparent. Now it seems that that need is being filled as the Professional Fighters Association has just been formed. On August 11th the PFA announced its formation with a bold statement to the press.
“The scales have been tipped in favor of the UFC for too long. It is time for the fighters – the one’s responsible for the UFC’s success – to receive their equal share.”
The main reason that fighters need something like the PFA is to help combat the authoritarian nature of the UFC. For example, Mark Hunt claims that the UFC had previous knowledge of Brock Lesnar engaging in doping and elected to let the fight carry on anyway. Online sports betting websites remember that the official fight card for the event had already suffered a tremendous loss with Jon Jones’ doping allegations. The event would have been a complete catastrophe had they been forced to remove another fighter.
In the end Mark Hunt had to step into the octagon to face a beefed up opponent to not even receive adequate monetary compensation. Once the news came to light that Lesnar had tested positive for estrogen blockers Hunt went on the offensive. The former WWE star had cashed in on a $2.5 million payday thanks to his victory over Hunt. Hunt demanded the entire purse that Lesnar had made from the bout, and rightfully so; after the doping allegations came to light no betting sportsbook would make Lesnar’s win valid. However the UFC said no and their word was final, choosing to fine neither Lesnar nor Jones. This situation highlights the need for an organization like the PFA.
The PFA aims to “not only be a union of fighters, but it will be governed solely by the fighters.” The Association will be headed by Jeff Boris, a sports agent with many years of expertise particularly in baseball having represented the likes of Barry Bonds and Jose Canesco. He is joined by Lucas Middlebrook, a well-renowned sports attorney, and Andrew Zimbalist, an economist. The official press release states that the PFA is fully backed by all of the major sports players’ unions including the likes of the NFLPA and the MLBPA.
“It is the goal of the PFA to organize these hard working athletes so that they may collectively bargain their terms and conditions of employment.”
If the PFA is successful fighters will now be afforded a new layer of protection. The implementation of the PFA will help clean up the sport, as that will be a clear stipulation in the agreement. Also, fighters will now be able to negotiate for compensations when news regarding their opponents doping tendencies comes to light, so fighters in a situation similar to Hunt wont risk their health for the benefit of another fighter and the UFC. Even though we’re all trying to return to online sports betting it is still important to stay up to date with all the latest happenings in the UFC.
