Dana White Clarifies ‘Delusions’ as $1.8 Trillion Company Pushed to Rectify Huge UFC Rankings Error

The UFC’s unique relationship with Mark Zuckerberg‘s Meta has sparked enthusiasm among fans and industry insiders alike. UFC CEO Dana White revealed earlier this month that the deal, which establishes the $1.8 trillion company as the promotion’s first-ever official fan technology partner, will result in significant changes for both fans and fighters, with the most significant change being how the UFC rankings are decided. So, will the new rankings be based on AI’s cognitive process and inputs? Well, not exactly.

Dana White is upfront about AI’s limitations. At the UFC Fight Night post-event media conference, the head honcho clarified that, while AI will play an important role in the new ranking system, it will not be the sole factor. “I’m not delusional. I don’t think that the AI thing is going to solve all the problems. That’s why we’ll have two sets of rankings. We’ll have AI and human,” he explained. This dual method strives to combine AI’s efficiency and precision with human analysts’ extensive knowledge and expertise, guaranteeing that rankings reflect both technological accuracy and real-world sport dynamics.

The new ranking system seeks to create a balance between technology and human intuition, solving the issues that have hampered the UFC’s conventional ranking technique. For years, Dana White has expressed dissatisfaction with the existing system, which is based on media votes following each fight night. This method has frequently resulted in differences, with some ranks appearing subjective and inconsistent. The head honcho expects that by bringing AI into the process, the rankings will become more objective and precise, leaving less room for bias and error. However, the human touch will be essential in capturing the finer parts of a fighter’s performance and potential that AI alone may overlook.

Dana White is asked about the two rankings system (AI and human) the UFC will have. pic.twitter.com/SQzYJOJXsj

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) April 27, 2025

With the promise of an innovative and enhanced ranking system, UFC fans are looking forward to the new approach’s debut later this year. Dana White has made it clear that the technological improvements will have a significant impact on the UFC’s future, and this cooperation with Meta is only the beginning. As artificial intelligence becomes more incorporated into the sport, the UFC is set to provide a more transparent, efficient, and fan-centric experience, cementing its place at the forefront of global sports entertainment. But while fans are looking forward to it, what about MMA fighters? Well, Belal Muhammad finally broke his silence on this new revolution.

Belal Muhammad finally speaks on Dana White & Meta’s mega collaboration

As the UFC prepares to launch its new AI-powered ranking system, fighters like Belal Muhammad are among the first to show their support for Dana White’s brave decision. Muhammad, a fighter who has experienced both success and adversity in his career, feels that the inclusion of artificial intelligence will address a long-standing issue with the promotion’s ranking system. Fighters have long expressed dissatisfaction with the way rankings are decided, believing that subjective factors such as inactivity and a short bout history unfairly affect their place.

With the existing system failing to reflect the most deserving fighters, ‘Remember The Name’ views AI as a solution that will bring much-needed clarity and fairness to the process. Muhammad’s statements were primarily directed at fighters like Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman, who have maintained a high ranking despite extended periods of inactivity in their careers. The reigning welterweight champion was clearly irritated by this and claimed that there are more qualified fighters who are now being overlooked. “I mean, you still got Colby Covington on the top rank, right? I don’t know who does these rankings, but they need to get the AI system in there immediately,” he stated.

Fighters like the reigning welterweight champion want a more open system that recognizes active fighters and their recent performances, ensuring that deserving competitors aren’t overshadowed by those who are still at the top owing to previous accomplishments. With the inclusion of AI, the expectation is that rankings will finally align more closely with reality. But what do you think? Will this new method actually find success in the Dana White-led promotion? Let us know in the comments.

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