It's one thing when retired and estranged fighters say it; it's another when an active UFC champion says it. http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/5/31/8695387/jose-aldo-ufc-reebok-deal-wants-fighters-union-mma-news
DFW likes to compare the UFC to MLS because of the newness of both leagues. MLS was going for ten years before Fraser v. Major League Soccer concluded in 2003 and was upheld in the Court of Appeals. Eight players sued in 1996, trail began in 2000, and the conclusion was reached in 2003. It was a long process. Two of the major players in the suit were Landon Donovan and Timmy Howard, arguably the most famous US Footballers at the time and still. It was the equivalent of having two UFC champions like GSP and Anderson Silva from five years ago. MLS and the MLSPU signed their first CBA in 2004. It established new minimum salaries, a 401(k) plan for players with mandated contributions from MLS, and comprehensive health insurance paid by MLS. They also established a group license agreement and a substance abuse policy. It also allowed for independent arbitrators to deal with negotiations between the union and the league. It lasted until 2010 when the union and MLS avoided a lockout with a new CBA. There was some talk about MLS players not being able to afford to strike which would almost certainly be the case with the current UFC roster if a similar situation arose. Given Zuffa's contempt for unions (see: Culinary Worker's Union vs. Station Casinos) and the lack of major (active) athletes involved, we're probably not even looking at a starting point yet, despite Cung Le et. al.'s lawsuit. Active UFC champions, veterans, and major figures in the MMA world need to be much more involved.
