The NLRB found that former UFC fighter Leslie Smith’s complaint, which argues that fighters under contract with the promotion are workers protected under the NLRA, has merit. The board agrees with Smith’s claim that she was retaliated against for attempting to unionize fighters when the UFC pulled back their offer to promote her. The ruling could significantly change things for MMA fighters since they are all currently treated as independent contractors. The UFC will likely challenge the ruling, although no official statement has yet to be released by the promotion.
See "National Labor Relations Board Set to File Complaint Against UFC in Leslie Smith Case", Rob Tatum, Combat Press, July 2, 2018