Dana White reveals change in UFC rankings as he announces partnership with Meta

Mark Zuckerberg and Dana White at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction Intagram/UFC Official

The controversial UFC ranking system is set to change. Dana White announced on Wednesday (2) a partnership with Mark Zauckerberg's big tech company, Meta, to leverage the organization's technologies and improve engagement with MMA fans around the world. One of the new developments is the start of work on a new way to classify Ultimate fighters.

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“We’ve already started working on some innovations with Meta around a new fighter ranking system that will debut later this year. Thank goodness!” White said in a video posted on social media.

This new deal with @goal is going to be incredible for UFC fans pic.twitter.com/hCAYed6q4m

- danawhite (@danawhite) April 2, 2025

The UFC boss has made it clear that he is dissatisfied with the official rankings. They are currently compiled by a group of voters selected by the promotion. This system has been in place since the rankings were implemented by the organization in February 2013.

The UFC will likely invest in AI technology to compile its rankings with the help of Meta. Last October, White said that he and Zuckerberg discussed the idea for the first time. At the time, he said he felt good about 'several strong moves here coming in 2025.'