“I have to get rid of these clowns @zuck. Let’s get this AI deal done ASAP,” UFC CEO Dana White wrote to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg last November, aiming for the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. His message hinted at AI’s potential role in revolutionizing the ranking system. However, as of now, this collaboration remains a distant possibility. In the same month, the promotion announced a ground-breaking partnership with IBM. Through this deal, the tech giant’s AI platform is set to enhance the UFC’s global reach, with the goal of “bringing millions of fans closer.”
As part of this collaboration, the promotion and IBM introduced the Insights Engine,’ an AI-powered tool designed to elevate both live broadcasting and digital coverage. This system delivers “more timely, in-depth information,” automatically updating screens in real time with essential fight data—striking rates per minute, takedown averages, and other key statistics displayed during events. The UFC’s parent company, TKO Holdings, finalized the deal, which they labeled a “game changer.” The technology aims to provide deeper insights, including fighter strategies, predictions, and even real-time heart rate monitoring.
Most recently, IBM’s AI Insights Engine powered by Watsonx analyzed UFC strawweight champion Weili Zhang, who is set to defend her title against Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312 in Australia. According to a post from UFC on X, “Zhang Weili is the only female UFC fighter to land 5+ significant strikes per minute AND 2.5+ takedowns per 15 minutes!”
As a result, this statistic offers valuable insight for fans, whether they’re backing the Chinese juggernaut or evaluating betting odds. Moreover, the UFC’s Insights Engine further highlights how the 115lbs queen has outperformed some of the promotion’s most dominant fighters. Notably, she has surpassed legends like Ronda Rousey and Amanda Nunes—both renowned for their striking prowess. For context, ‘Rowdy’ averaged 4.77 significant strikes per minute, while Nunes registered 4.55 throughout their decorated UFC careers.
However, despite the UFC’s strides into AI through its partnership with ‘Blue Chip,’ Dana White insists the mission isn’t complete until he overhauls the rankings system—something he has consistently stressed.
Dana White spills details on meeting with Mark Zuckerberg
When it comes to the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, Dana White didn’t mince words, calling them ” The most f–ing ridiculous, embarrassing, stupid, know-nothing about f—-g fighting ranking of all time..” The list, compiled by media members and analysts, currently places reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at the top.
However, White has consistently insisted that Jon Jones is the true number one. Yet, after UFC 311 last month, White admitted that Makhachev is “already the pound-for-pound No. 1.” The question now is—did Dana White truly mean it, or was he pressured by the media and fans into backtracking on his previous stance?
After a lengthy hiatus, Jones made his return at UFC 309 last November, delivering a stunning spinning back kick knockout against Stipe Miocic, further cementing his status as the best fighter in the sport. Despite a rankings update that left things unchanged, White remains determined to take action. Speaking to TNT Sports last year, he shared details of his meeting with Mark Zuckerberg, stating, “I’m going to fix the rankings. We’re making a lot of strong moves heading into 2025. I just can’t handle incompetence anymore. It’s driving me crazy. I can’t let people who don’t know what the f–k they’re talking about control the rankings. I just can’t do it… We need to find a solution.”
For now, any changes to the rankings remain a work in progress, with Meta and Mark Zuckerberg possibly introducing their own system in the future. But in the meantime, the focus shifts to UFC 312, where an electrifying co-main event awaits. Can Zhang Weili’s elite striking and relentless takedowns be enough to fend off the grappling challenge of Tatiana Suarez? With the title on the line in Sydney, this fight is set to deliver fireworks. Share your predictions below!
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