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UFC CEO Seeks Changes to Ranking System with AI Help
In a recent discussion about the UFC’s ranking system, CEO Dana White expressed his desire for reform and hinted at the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in streamlining the process. This conversation followed his talks with Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, who has shown a keen interest in mixed martial arts (MMA).
White’s comments came ahead of UFC 308, where undefeated fighter Ilia Topuria defended his featherweight title against veteran Max Holloway in Abu Dhabi. During an interview with TNT Sports, White voiced his frustration with the current ranking system, which he described as “driving him crazy.” This ranking method, established in 2013, relies on a voting panel made up of select media members who assess fighters based on various criteria including weight class and pound-for-pound performance.
“I could go on and on and on, but I won’t,” White stated, hinting at the depth of his concerns. He revealed that discussions had taken place earlier in the week to address these issues and mentioned his conversation with Zuckerberg regarding the use of AI to enhance the ranking process.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Passion for MMA
Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Meta, has publicly shared his enthusiasm for mixed martial arts on several occasions. He highlighted his engagement with the sport in a 2022 interview with podcast host Joe Rogan, explaining that MMA demands undivided attention, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking both physical and intellectual stimulation.
“What’s a thing that’s both super engaging physically, but also intellectually, where you can’t afford to focus on something else?” Zuckerberg posed. “I think, to some degree, it’s like MMA is like the perfect thing because if you stop paying attention for one second, you’re going to end up on the bottom.”
Zuckerberg’s passion for MMA is also visible on his social media, where he has shared videos of his training sessions and milestones, including earning a blue belt in jiu-jitsu in 2023. Moreover, he has attended various UFC events, adding to his reputation as an active participant in the MMA community. There was even speculation about a potential match between Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, which White nearly facilitated.
Criticism of the Current System
White has not held back criticism of the ranking structure in the past, even labeling it as incompetent during a recent press conference. He emphasized that he would prefer a system where rankings are not managed internally by the UFC.
“I can’t handle the incompetence,” he remarked, arguing for the need for an unbiased third party or AI involvement in the ranking process. He further elaborated that there is an element of bias among media members, making it challenging for the current system to remain impartial.
Representatives from both the UFC and Meta have yet to respond to inquiries regarding these discussions, leaving the future of the ranking system in the realm of speculation.
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