A contract that UFC 249 fighters "had to sign" stated that fighters "face the potential loss of their purse and any financial bonuses they may earn if they defame or disparage the UFC over its health and safety protocols," according to Kevin Iole of YAHOO SPORTS. Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza on Saturday tweeted about the contract, and UFC President Dana White responded by saying, “It’s called an anti-disparagement clause and if I know what that is, that scumbag (Espinoza) is a lawyer and you would think he should know what that is." White clarified, “If a fighter says something that isn’t true -- if he says we didn’t test anyone for this -- that would [violate the agreement]. But if he said something that was true, his opinion, then that is different" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 5/9).
MORE DETAILS: In N.Y., Campbell & Draper wrote the news that fighter Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza and two of his cornermen on Friday tested positive for the coronavirus "drove home how difficult it is to safely hold events during this pandemic." But if "any other fighters have concerns, you probably will not hear about them, as the UFC clamped down on criticism of its health and safety guidelines." UFC 249 fighters "could lose significant amounts of money if they 'suggest or communicate'" that the event was held "'without appropriate health, safety or other precautions,' according to a copy of a participation agreement." If fighters "violate this provision, the UFC may 'revoke all or any part of any prize monies or awards won by the Participant.'" These "can include 'purses, win bonuses, other fight-related bonuses and event-based merchandise royalties'" (N.Y. TIMES, 5/10).
