News is out all over the net that Jon Fitch (and others) have been released from their UFC contract for not signing over the rights to their identities to the UFC. The reaction, judging by posts on various message boards, is one of shock and horror. Believe it or not, people are aghast that a fight promoter is operating like a fight promoter.
Logically, this might lead to some sort of fallout, but it probably won’t, since those most likely to have their complaints heard are already solidly in the back pocket of Zuffa (see: Iole, Kevin). In fact, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see articles in the coming days from a variety of sources detailing the selfish motives of such disrespective employees when it comes to an offer to make them money forever. Times are tough - Why shouldn’t they want money from their identity in a UFC video game?
While I was never a great fan of Jon Fitch, nor did I believe he was capable of beating GSP this past summer, he’s clearly a top 10 fighter significantly better than the overwhelming majority of bodies laying around in the UFC. That we’re losing him over blatant greed is truly an unfortunate news story, but its also one that should hardly be a heart stopper to anyone really paying attention.
edit: It only gets better. Apparently Cain Velasquez is likely to go too and Koscheck’s last bout will be at UFC’s Fight For The Troops. He was only saved due to coming in last minute to fight Alves.
I sincerely doubt that these contracts are lifetime exclusive contracts. Why? Because no judge in the world is going to declare that a viable contract while they aren’t employed by Zuffa. I’m pretty sure they just mean that Zuffa can create Jon Fitch merchandise even if Jon Fitch isn’t with the company.. So if for example they make a game in 3 years and Jon Fitch has moved on to being a line cook in Arkansas, they could use him as a character in the game, but at the same time Jon Fitch could be in an Affliction game (or whatever) at the same time.
It is shady but who fucking cares? These guys are getting crummy legal advice and getting upset over probably not reading closely.
[...] Total MMAFighting is a Tough Business: Fitch looking for work [...]
Iole’s story on the situation was balanced and got both sides of the story, but hey, this is blog world, where facts never get in the way of preconceived notions.