UFC releases statement after motion to dismiss antitrust lawsuit is denied

Big news came in last night regarding the UFC antitrust lawsuit case. The UFC had filed a motion to dismiss, which a Nevada judge denied at Friday's hearing in Las Vegas. This means the case can progress through the court system. Bloody Elbow's Paul Gift has a full breakdown of yesterday's hearing.

The UFC has since responded with an official statement on the matter, which has been posted in full here:

"The United States District Court in Las Vegas, Nevada held a hearing on UFC's motion to dismiss today. The Court correctly explained that on a motion to dismiss it must consider all the factual allegations in the complaint as true, and the complaint must be liberally construed in favor of the plaintiffs. Using that standard, the Court denied the motion to dismiss. As we have consistently stated, UFC competes in a lawful manner that benefits athletes around the world and has created a premier organization in the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA). We look forward to proving that the allegations in the complaint are meritless."

Here's how Jon Fitch and Nate Quarry, two of the biggest names leading the fighters lawsuit against the UFC, reacted to the decision:

Today was one of the biggest victories in my career.

— Jon Fitch (@jonfitchdotnet) September 26, 2015

Judge rules that we do indeed get our day in court. @CungLe185 @Kingsbu @jonfitchdotnet @Verafied @javiershowtime @DennisHallman

— Nathan Quarry (@NateRockQuarry) September 26, 2015