UFC President and CEO Dana White has been ordered to testify under oath in connection with a new antitrust lawsuit filed against the UFC. The ruling was issued by U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware, who scheduled White’s testimony as part of a spoliation hearing set for February 4 and 5, 2026. The hearing is tied to the ongoing case Cirkunov v. Zuffa, which challenges contractual provisions used by the UFC.
White will testify 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, during which unresolved discovery disputes will be addressed before the spoliation proceedings begin.
Background of the UFC Antitrust Lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed by former UFC light heavyweight competitor Misha Cirkunov and centers on the legality of certain clauses included in UFC fighter contracts. At the heart of the case are mandatory arbitration agreements and class-action waivers, which require athletes to resolve disputes individually rather than collectively in court.
Plaintiffs argue that these provisions restrict legal rights and limit the ability to challenge alleged anticompetitive conduct. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and aims to have these contractual clauses declared unenforceable, which could impact how disputes between fighters and the promotion are handled moving forward.
Why Dana White’s Testimony Matters
Judge Boulware’s order requiring Dana White to testify represents a significant procedural development. White, as the UFC’s top executive, is expected to provide testimony related to document retention, communications, and discovery compliance. His appearance is not routine and underscores the seriousness of the court’s inquiry.
The judge has directed that White and Long testify at the beginning of the February hearing, signaling that their statements may be central to determining whether evidence obligations were properly met during the litigation process.
Spoliation Hearing Focuses on Discovery Issues
The upcoming hearing is classified as a spoliation hearing, which examines whether relevant evidence was destroyed, altered, or not preserved as required. Plaintiffs have alleged gaps in the discovery record, including missing data tied to communications during the applicable time period.
The court will evaluate whether any failures in evidence preservation occurred and whether sanctions or corrective measures are warranted. Both parties have been ordered to submit a joint status report by December 30, 2025, outlining remaining discovery disputes ahead of the January hearing.
UFC Antitrust Litigation in a Broader Legal Context
The Cirkunov lawsuit is one of several antitrust cases that have challenged the UFC’s business practices over the years. Previous litigation, including a long-running case involving former fighters such as Cung Le, resulted in a substantial settlement earlier in 2024. Another related case remains active and continues to address similar allegations.
Dana White’s compelled testimony places the UFC’s leadership directly under judicial scrutiny once again. The outcome of the spoliation hearing could influence not only this lawsuit but also future legal challenges involving fighter contracts and promotion practices within mixed martial arts.
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