Home / Sports / Fighters Fight for Futures: New Union Demands Fair Play
Fighters Fight for Futures: New Union Demands Fair Play
27 Oct
Summary
- A new group, the Global Fighters' Association, is launching a major inquiry.
- The GFA aims to secure fair contracts, better pay, and health standards.
- Advocates seek support similar to athletes in rugby, football, and horse racing.
A new organization, the Global Fighters' Association (GFA), has been formed with the ambitious goal of representing combat sport athletes and ensuring their futures. The GFA is launching what it describes as the 'biggest ever inquiry into health and safety in combat sport,' aiming to establish itself as the primary governing body for all combat sports.
This non-profit group, set up last year, is actively campaigning for fundamental improvements, including fair contracts, better pay, adequate insurance, and pension plans for fighters. The GFA highlights instances where fighters have had to rely on public fundraisers for essential medical care following serious injuries, calling the current system a 'failing.'
Esteemed barrister Jonathan Caplan KC will lead the inquiry, which will examine the safety, governance, and treatment of participants across all levels of combat sports. The GFA is seeking to raise £500,000 through crowdfunding to fund this critical investigation and to provide fighters with support comparable to that available in sports like rugby, football, and horse racing.
Concerns are also being raised regarding potential changes to the Muhammad Ali Act in the US, a law that offers boxers workplace protection. Critics fear amendments could favor promoters and networks, underscoring the GFA's mission to provide an independent voice and advocate for fighters' rights globally.
