UFC announces 'fan technology' partnership with Meta, new rankings system expected to debut in 2025
04/02/2025 10:00 AM
Dana White is going all in with Meta.
TKO Group Holding announced Wednesday that the UFC has signed a multi-year partnership with Meta, with Mark Zuckerberg's company becoming the UFC's "official fan technology partner."
Check out a section of the release below:
As UFC's first Official Fan Technology Partner, Meta will collaborate with UFC to use Meta's technology platforms, services, and products, including Meta AI, Meta Glasses, Meta Quest, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads, to immerse fans deeper into UFC content than ever before. In addition, Meta will become the Official AI Glasses Partner of UFC and will work with UFC to creatively use their groundbreaking AI glasses in compelling ways at UFC events.
White and Zuckerberg have formed a close relationship over the years, with Zuckerberg regularly attending UFC events and White being brought on to join Meta's board of directors this past January.
The exact nature of White's involvement is unclear, but the business connection is already appearing to pay dividends with Wednesday's announcement. White took to social media to share the news and confirm his previously mentioned plans to have Meta assist in creating a new fighter ranking system, with plans to unveil it before the end of 2025.
"We've already started to work with Meta to create a new fighter rankings system that will debut later this year, thank God," White said. "We'll also be using Meta's AI-powered glasses to capture UFC content and we're going to do things with Meta that will blow UFC fans away. The next few years will be an absolute game-changer for fans of this sport."
Zuckerberg is quoted in the release, saying, "I love this sport and I'm looking forward to working with the UFC to let fans experience it in new ways."
