Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association: Fighters and media react to ‘industry-redefining’ announcement

Director of the call says there is 100 journalists on the line.

— Dave Doyle (@davedoylemma) November 30, 2016

TK: I'd assume that if the UFC was going to reach the incredible levels of success that it has, that the fighters wouldn't be left starving.

— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) November 30, 2016

.@GeorgesStPierre says he's a rare fighter who is healthy and wealthy after a career in MMA…he wants to make things better for everyone

— Elias Cepeda (@EliasCepeda) November 30, 2016

Cowboy Cerrone on the call, talking without notes. Speaking about the need for better medical cover and the costs incurred by athletes.

— Simon Head⚡️ (@simonhead) November 30, 2016

Cowboy: "I don't know what the f*** I'm getting myself into but I want to stand up and make it right."

— FloCombat (@FloCombat) November 30, 2016

Bjorn numbers paint crystal clear picture of what's happening over a decade. Outrageous conduct by WME UFC group. One sided, no safety net

— Mike Straka (@MikeStraka) November 30, 2016

Rebney: "When the WME-IMG UFC conglomerate asks them to risk everything… just human decency says they should be paid fairly."

— Simon Head⚡️ (@simonhead) November 30, 2016

This is the beginning. Hundreds of fighters have been waiting for the right team to get behind. This is it! Feel empowered and contact me. https://t.co/QoJ3WmdYyB

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) November 30, 2016

The Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association is here. #MMAMovement pic.twitter.com/U1alwC0uWm

— The MMAAA (@Themmaaa) November 30, 2016

I'm with it 🤘… RT @Themmaaa: The Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association is here. #MMAMovement pic.twitter.com/g2fy9jwNaJ

— FranCisco Rivera (@CiscoRiveraUFC) November 30, 2016

Proud of the fighters that stood up today. That's a good sign. But bjorn rebney? You guys have lost your minds.

— malki kawa (@malkikawa) November 30, 2016

I think these fighters are very brave.

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) November 30, 2016

This sounds too good to be true. I'd break down and cry if I had any emotion left for this game. @TimKennedyMMA @Cowboycerrone

— Cole Miller (@colemillerATT) November 30, 2016

I'm 100% down !! Sign me up and send me the info. Lets see what we can get done #UFC #mma https://t.co/cHGFRuYrrq

— Nik Lentz (@NikLentz) November 30, 2016

I'll only believe Rebney's intentions are good if he doesn't get anything out of this other than righting all the wrongs he committed. #no$$

— Shannon Knapp (@shanknapp) November 30, 2016

The FIGHTERS are 100% in control of this. The board which Bjorn is NOT on will make all decisions. https://t.co/SxZfJ8RLCz

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) November 30, 2016

Rebney: "Tim is not going to step into his fight in a week having outlined everything he plans to do." That's an interesting statement.

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 30, 2016

This is not a union. Rebney says a union is awful idea because court battle over independent contractor/employee status would take years.

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 30, 2016

Judging by what’s being said here, it’ll be worth keeping a close eye on Tim Kennedy during #UFC206.

— Simon Head⚡️ (@simonhead) November 30, 2016

If I was a betting man, I’d suggest Kennedy won’t be walking to the Octagon in an unblemished Reebok fight kit on December 10.

— Simon Head⚡️ (@simonhead) November 30, 2016

The initial MMAAA board:
– Tim Kennedy
– Donald Cerrone
– Georges St-Pierre
– Cain Velasquez
– TJ Dillashaw
Bjorn Rebney’s role is advisory.

— Simon Head⚡️ (@simonhead) November 30, 2016

Great group of fighters there to start this movement. As long as ya'll can handle getting periodically cussed out by Bjorn this has a shot https://t.co/BTB0WNMjt6

— Stephan Bonnar (@StephanBonnar) November 30, 2016

Yes! https://t.co/4Lmt0BXzRD

— Thiago Alves. (@ThiagoAlvesATT) November 30, 2016

I'm listening in on THE conference call right now, fighters in support of each other and their rights is awesome. @TimKennedyMMA

— Leslie Smith (@LeslieSmith_GF) November 30, 2016

For sure…. all the guys on that panel deserve every fighters respect. Regardless of what comes from it. #UFC #MMA https://t.co/eZncW6ZRJr

— Nik Lentz (@NikLentz) November 30, 2016

Standing up for what's right! Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association #Repost… https://t.co/sEGaqCEmWx

— TJ Dillashaw (@TJDillashaw) November 30, 2016

A female presence on the MMAAA board will be a big display of looking for representation and representatives of all UFC fighters #yesImeanme

— Leslie Smith (@LeslieSmith_GF) November 30, 2016

It all sounded good but not enough substance. #loudnoises

— Will Brooks (@ILLWAVYBrooks) November 30, 2016

Anything that benefits fighters and fighter health is good. I am watching, reading and absorbing info before making any comments. https://t.co/xO5LBuHmx9

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) November 30, 2016

Scratching my head a little bit. I get not putting all your cards out on the table but I feel as though too much went unsaid.

— Will Brooks (@ILLWAVYBrooks) November 30, 2016