Professional Fighters Association’s (PFA) Jeff Borris was a guest on The MMA Hour to discuss the newly formed PFA which seeks to unionize UFC fighters. Borris spoke at length about his reasons for his involvement and how his organization differs from MMAFA.
Borris was amazed when he first saw the bout and promotional agreement for Diaz-McGregor I as he saw things that were not valid, unenforceable and needed to be changed. Lloyd Pierson, a co-worker of Borris and the agent for Diaz, had asked Borris for input on the agreements.
With the seeming tension between MMAFA, Borris indicated that he did not oppose their purpose but believed that it was different from what PFA intendes to do for UFC fighters.
Among its action items once PFA has a bulk of the over 600 UFC contracted fighters on its side were health insurance, pension benefits, a grievance policy and a bargained-for drug policy.
Borris noted the concern existing UFC fighters have had with respect to organizing for fear of retaliation. He indicated that he will be in Vegas and hold a press conference this week as UFC 202 happens on Saturday night.
Payout Perspective:
Borris is a part of the Ballengee Group. The agency represents the Diaz Brothers which is a point of concern from some as there would appear to be a conflict of interest with organizing a union while representing fighters. Borris indicated that it would be the fighters that would be in charge of the union. He indicated that the UFC had not contacted him since the announcement of the PFA. We will see how/if the UFC addresses this new organization seeking to unite UFC fighters.
Do you think the most interesting part of the interview was Jeff Borris’s insistence that UFC fighters were legally employees and that their independent contractor status was just to benefit the UFC.
It seemed that this was not even something he had any concerns about.