Kobe Bryant’s vocal support could be tipping point for UFC athletes in unionization efforts

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant spoke in favor of an MMA fighters union during a UFC athlete retreat. The most dramatic moment of the three-day UFC athlete retreat that took place in Las Vegas over the weekend came when bantamweight Leslie Smith stood up to ask Kobe Bryant his thoughts about the fighters organizing a union. There is no union or association among UFC fighters, though three groups have formed over the last several years attempting to do so.