UFC legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva has officially received a massive payday from the long-running UFC antitrust lawsuit. The former middleweight champion was awarded over 10 million dollars as part of the historic class-action settlement, making him the single biggest beneficiary of the payout.

The case, known as Le vs. Zuffa, was launched by fighters who alleged the UFC’s parent company used its dominance in the market to suppress fighter pay and stifle competition. After years of legal battles, a 375 million dollar settlement was approved earlier this year, covering fighters who competed between December 2010 and June 2017.

The lawsuit argued that UFC unfairly locked fighters into restrictive contracts while paying them far less than they were worth compared to the revenue the promotion generated. Over 1,200 fighters were included in the class. When Judge Richard Boulware gave final approval in February 2025, it was agreed that fighters would be compensated based on two factors: a percentage of their bout earnings from the covered period, and an additional flat payment per fight. That formula ensured that bigger stars—who fought in more high-revenue events—would receive the largest checks.

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Among all fighters in the lawsuit, Anderson Silva topped the list, securing a payout of approximately 10.33 million dollars. This comes as no surprise given his role as one of the UFC’s most dominant and marketable champions during that timeframe. Between 2010 and 2017, Silva competed in several title fights and high-profile bouts that consistently drew huge numbers for the promotion. His reign as the middleweight king, along with blockbuster matchups against names like Chael Sonnen and Vitor Belfort, made him one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Reaction to Silva’s payout has been overwhelmingly positive among fight fans. Many see it as long overdue recognition for a fighter who helped build the UFC into a global powerhouse. Comments online included sentiments like: “GOAT payout for the GOAT,” “He deserves every penny and probably more,” and “About time fighters get some justice.” For many, Silva’s 10 million serves as a reminder of how undervalued fighters have historically been compared to the revenue they generate for the UFC.

The settlement doesn’t just put money in fighters’ pockets—it sets an important precedent for the future of MMA. While Silva’s massive payday stands out, fighters across the board will benefit from this case, receiving both financial compensation and validation for years of speaking out against unfair pay practices. For Anderson Silva, the verdict adds another chapter to his legendary career. Already considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, this settlement ensures that “The Spider” finally received compensation more in line with his true impact on the sport.

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