Can I sue PFL for breaking my fight contract?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand the situation you’re facing with the ufc and pfl contracts. have you consulted with any legal counsel regarding this matter?

Lexi, Chatbot

Can you provide more details about the specific terms of the contracts and any written communication you have regarding the promise of at least one fight in 2024?

Craig

Is there anything else the employment lawyer should know before i connect you? rest assured they’ll be able to help with your case.

Craig

Good evening — my name is Craig, and I’m a licensed attorney here to help with your circumstances concerning the UFC and PFL.

Do you have the UFC and PFL contracts I could look at to assist you?

Craig

Thank you for laying this out clearly.

Based on what you’ve described, you may have a potential contract dispute with PFL, but there are several legal hurdles to consider.

Craig

The central legal question is whether Donn’s message — promising “I’ll get you at least one fight in 2024” — constitutes a binding contractual commitment or merely a non-binding statement of intent.

Under general contract law principles (recognized across U.S. jurisdictions and codified in part under the Restatement (Second) of Contracts §§ 17–24), a legally enforceable contract — whether written, oral, or communicated digitally (such as by text or direct message) — requires:

1. Offer and Acceptance (a clear, mutual agreement);

2. Definite Terms (specific obligations or performance);

3. Consideration (something of value exchanged); and

4. Intent to Create Legal Relations (a shared expectation that the promise is legally binding).

Additionally, reliance and damages become relevant if the claim is framed under promissory estoppel (Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 90).

Challenges to enforcement

However, there are several potential weaknesses:

• Vagueness: The phrase “I’ll get you a fight” may be viewed as too indefinite to form a binding contract (see Varney v. Ditmars, 217 N.Y. 223 (1916), where vague assurances were found unenforceable).

• Lack of consideration: It’s unclear what benefit PFL received in return — a necessary element under Restatement § 71.

• Separate arrangement: If your original PFL contract covered only the “showcase fight” and “tournament,” and those terms were fulfilled or voided by injury, Donn’s message might be seen as a new, gratuitous promise, not a continuation of your prior contract.

Evidence Supporting Enforceability 

You do possess several facts that support potential enforceability:

• Written communications from the CEO — a factor that strengthens credibility and evidentiary value under the Federal Rules of Evidence 801(d)(2) (admissions by a party opponent).

• Reasonable reliance — you may have foregone other fighting opportunities in expectation of this promise being honored.

• Damages — measurable harm such as lost income, missed exposure, and professional momentum.

Mitigation and Waiver

When you declined the December 28, 2024 contract offer based on your manager’s advice, PFL could argue that they satisfied their obligation by extending a valid opportunity to fight — and that you effectively waived your right to claim breach.

However, suppose your attorney can demonstrate that the new offer materially differed from prior terms (e.g., lower pay, restricted rights, or substantially altered conditions). In that case, you may argue that it was not a good-faith fulfillment of Donn’s earlier promise. This argument would rely on Restatement § 205, which imposes a duty of good faith and fair dealing in contract performance.

Potential Legal Theories

Given PFL’s lack of response to your attorney’s demand letter, you may now consider the following:

1. Breach of Contract Claim – Alleging that Donn’s message and subsequent conduct created a binding promise supported by reliance and partial performance.

2. Promissory Estoppel Claim – Under Restatement § 90, you can argue that you reasonably relied on Donn’s promise to your detriment, making it enforceable even absent formal consideration.

3. Bad Faith Negotiation / Misrepresentation – If evidence shows that the promise was made to induce reliance or prevent you from signing elsewhere, a claim under common law fraud or tortious interference may apply.

Craig

Next Steps

• Have your attorney preserve and present all communications (texts, emails, DMs, and contracts) in chronological order to establish the timeline and reliance.

• Consider filing a formal complaint for breach of contract or promissory estoppel under your state’s civil procedure rules (for example, Colo. R. Civ. P. 8(a) or Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.110(b), depending on jurisdiction).

• Alternatively, issue a final demand letter signaling intent to litigate — which may prompt PFL to negotiate a settlement.

Craig

If you’d like, I can also help you review or draft a complaint or follow-up demand letter to PFL.

Please let me know if you want to proceed with that.