On Thursday, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar addressed UFC senior executive Lawrence Epstein during a hearing on the proposed Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. The legislation aims to bring UFC-style promotion to professional boxing through Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) with internal rankings, championship titles, and exclusive contracts.
The hearing, titled “In Their Corner: Creating More Opportunities for American Boxers,” also featured California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster and attorney Pat English, who helped draft the original Muhammad Ali Act. Witnesses discussed how the Ali Revival Act could create additional avenues for boxers while maintaining existing protections.
Omar, an outspoken advocate for fighter rights, pressed Epstein about revenue sharing for boxers under the new system, citing past UFC antitrust lawsuits where athletes received as little as 15–20 percent of event revenue.
“Mr. Epstein, the UFC settled a longstanding antitrust case after allegations of using restrictive contracts, keeping fighters’ pay at roughly 15 to 20 percent of revenue,” Omar said. “What minimum share of event revenues can you commit today that boxers could receive under Zuffa Boxing league?”
Epstein explained the new organization is in its early stages and cannot guarantee revenue distribution.
“First, let me address the lawsuit, which is part of your question — we did settle the lawsuit,” Epstein said. “It was 10 years of litigation, we made a business decision to settle it, but I want to be clear, there was no finding of liability or anything along those lines. As far as committing to any percentage today, obviously can’t do that. We’re starting a new business. If this legislation is passed, we’re going to be starting a new business.”
Ilhan Omar asks Lawrence Epstein what minimum share of event revenue can he commit to today that boxers could receive under Zuffa Boxing.
Epstein says he can’t commit to any percentage today.
Later, Omar mentions UFC is being sued again then asks Epstein how he will make sure… pic.twitter.com/ir3vVo7Fbv
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) December 4, 2025
Fighter Rights and Contract Transparency
Omar followed up, questioning the fairness and transparency of contracts for boxers under the UBO model.
“Well then, let me ask this: UFC is being sued again, not only with more claims of wage suppression but new allegations of discovery violation… With all these lawsuits, I’m having a hard time seeing why any of the fighters would ever be able to trust that they’ll be paid fairly in this system? So, Mr. Epstein, what would you tell the many boxers who are worried about being trapped in a long, coercive contract, or how will you make sure the economic freedom of boxers will not be taken away under this model that you’re advocating for?”
Epstein responded, emphasizing that the Ali Revival Act is designed to provide a choice for fighters without altering protections from the original law.
“What I would tell them is they’re going to have a choice. What’s very clear from this legislation is the existing Ali Act is not going to change at all. We’re adding new provisions that will add for, we’ve talked about the Unified Boxing Organizations or UBOs, there’s going to be a choice for athletes to make. I don’t see how choice is a bad thing.”
Foster added that consolidating fighters under a single promotion could improve competitive matchmaking and prevent mismatches.
“When the focus shifts from trying to protect your fighter and getting the opponent beat to making competitive matches, in my opinion, that would be good for boxing,” Foster said.
Omar concluded by recognizing potential benefits but urged careful evaluation before passing the bill.
“While this bill is not entirely bad, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act does not yet live up to that promise. So I do recommend before this bill moves any further that my colleagues take a moment and check in with the people that actually feel the impact of these reforms. Talk to your state athletic commission, your local boxing gym, the small venues, and mostly talk to boxers in your community. You should hear all perspectives and make sure we are making fully informed policy decision that truly helps workers and small businesses around sports.” via MMAFighting
