UFC just inked a multiyear partnership with Meta.
UFC CEO Dana White today revealed the details behind his long-anticipated collaboration with Facebook nerd Mark Zuckerberg, which includes a deep dive into all of Meta’s available tech like Meta AI, Meta Glasses, Meta Quest, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads. Meta will also becoming the official AI glasses partner of UFC.
“I’ve had a lot of great partners over the years that have helped us grow this sport, but Mark and his team at Meta are going to do things that will blow away UFC fans,” White said. “Meta has the greatest minds in tech and they are going to take fan engagement to the next level. We’ve already started to work on some innovations with Meta around a new fighter rankings system that I’ll be sharing soon. The next few years will be an absolute game changer for fans of this sport.”
Threads, a direct competitor to Elon Musk’s “X” platform, will become the official social media partner of UFC.
“I love this sport and I’m looking forward to working with the UFC to let fans experience it in new ways,” Zuckerberg said. The Meta boss (and jiu-jitsu blue belt) is no stranger to UFC cards, to the point where he shut down APEX just to watch a “Fight Night” in private.
White has been threatening a new rankings system for several months. UFC fighter rankings have historically been determined by a panel of media members who frequently vote for athletes that stand in contrast to fighters White and Co. are trying to position as top stars.
A date for Meta’s rankings takeover has yet to be determined.