UFC President Dana White has been formally ordered to testify in an ongoing antitrust lawsuit against the Ultimate Fighting Championship. This marks a notable development in the long-running legal challenges facing the promotion. The ruling was issued by U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware. He scheduled White’s testimony as part of a spoliation hearing set for February 4 and 5, 2026.
White will appear alongside Tracy Long, the UFC’s Vice President of Athlete Compliance and Regulatory Affairs. The court has also scheduled a preliminary hearing on January 6, 2026. This hearing will address outstanding discovery matters and help determine the scope of the February proceedings.
Details Surrounding the Cirkunov v. Zuffa Case
The lawsuit, officially titled Cirkunov v. Zuffa, was brought forward by former UFC light heavyweight Misha Cirkunov.
The case challenges specific contractual provisions used by the UFC, particularly mandatory arbitration clauses and class-action waivers included in fighter agreements.
According to the complaint, these provisions prevent athletes from pursuing collective legal action. Furthermore, they limit their ability to challenge alleged anticompetitive practices.
The plaintiffs are seeking financial damages. Additionally, they want a court ruling that would invalidate those clauses. This could potentially alter how future contractual disputes are resolved within the organization.
Court Orders Emphasize Executive Accountability
Judge Boulware’s decision to require Dana White’s in-person testimony is a significant procedural step. As the UFC’s chief executive, White’s testimony is expected to address issues related to document retention and internal communications. It will also cover compliance with discovery obligations during the lawsuit.
The court has ordered that both White and Long testify at the outset of the spoliation hearing, underscoring the importance of their roles in establishing how evidence was managed. Such testimony is relatively uncommon at this stage of litigation and reflects the court’s focus on accountability at the highest levels of the organization.
Spoliation Hearing Centers on Evidence Preservation
The February hearing will focus on allegations of spoliation, a legal term referring to the destruction, loss, or failure to preserve relevant evidence.
Plaintiffs have raised concerns about missing or incomplete records. These include data tied to communications during key periods relevant to the case.
The court will evaluate whether any lapses occurred. It will determine whether corrective actions or sanctions are necessary. Ahead of the hearing, both sides have been instructed to submit a joint status report by December 30, 2025. This report will outline unresolved discovery disputes.
UFC Antitrust Lawsuits and Their Broader Implications
The Cirkunov lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of antitrust litigation involving the UFC. Previous cases have challenged the promotion’s contracting practices and market dominance. This includes a high-profile lawsuit that concluded with a substantial settlement earlier in 2024. Another related case remains active and continues to address similar claims.
Dana White’s upcoming testimony places renewed legal scrutiny on the UFC’s leadership. The outcome of the spoliation hearing could have lasting implications for ongoing litigation. It may also influence how athlete contracts and dispute resolution mechanisms are structured in the future.
