Combat Sports Law

This week Zuffa, parent company of the UFC, has sued Wanderlei Silva alleging defamation and business disparagement.

In short, the lawsuit highlights a host of critical comments Silva made about the UFC and specifically points to comments of alleged fixed fights as crossing the line.

The full claim can be found here – Zuffa Lawsuit Wanderlei Silva Defamation

The lawsuit notes “Silva has repeatedly stated that the UFC and its senior management have engaged in “fight fixing” and that he can “prove this allegation”. Fight fixing (also known as match fixing) is the action or practice of dishonestly determining the outcome of a contest before it occurs.  Fight-fixing is against the law and often associated with criminal activity such as illegal gambling“.

There can be little dispute that allegations of fight fixing leveled against a licensed promoter, if untrue, will meet the legal definition of defamation.  The case will ultimately turn on whether there is any merit to Silva’s troublesome allegations.