UFC Unveils New Rankings Backed by Meta Replacing the Older Version Introduced in 2013

The UFC has unveiled a new Meta-backed rankings system, replacing the media voting format that had been in place since 2013.

UFC Unveils New Rankings Backed by Meta Replacing the Older Version Introduced in 2013

UFC unveils new Meta backed rankings system [via CityPNG]

The UFC has officially introduced a new athlete ranking system, marking the latest evolution of its partnership with Meta. Powered by artificial intelligence and a mathematical system, the revamped model has already produced notable changes across multiple weight classes.

Designed to provide a more objective, data-driven evaluation of fighters, the new system replaces the UFC’s long-standing media-voted rankings. Instead of relying on ballots submitted by media members, the AI-based model analyzes a wide range of performance metrics to determine where athletes stand within their divisions.

UFC CEO Dana White expressed strong enthusiasm about the new rankings, saying they offer a more accurate reflection of the sport’s competitive landscape. White also reiterated his long-standing frustration with the previous media-driven system, which he has frequently criticized over the years.

While unveiling the AI-powered rankings, the veteran promoter did not hold back in sharing his views on the old process and the role of media voters in shaping fighter standings.

I can’t handle incompetence. I can’t take it anymore. And I can’t let people that I don’t believe know what the [expletive] they’re talking about deal with the rankings anymore. I think the old ranking system, though, is a combination of laziness, bias, no knowledge of the actual sport.

Dana White via Instagram

The UFC CEO then explained his new hopes for the new system.

I mean, really all I care about is that the rankings are fair, they’re as close to perfect as possible and I’m ready to go live.

Dana White via Instagram

Despite the veteran promoter’s excitement, the company has been criticized for its heavy use of AI, and this has continued with the release of the new rankings system. The UFC has been increasingly employing AI in its promotional material.

This even led to criticism from its own fighters as former lightweight title challenger Renato Moicano criticized his employers for promoting AI slop. Nonetheless, this new system has brought about some notable changes to the company’s landscape.

RELATED
Colby Covington Trolls Dustin Poirier’s Family Legacy After His Recent Arrest

How the new Meta rankings have changed the landscape of UFC’s weight divisions

The new system has seen some interesting changes across weight divisions. Former double champion Alex Pereira makes his debut at #4 in the heavyweight division. The former light heavyweight champion has no wins at heavyweight, losing his debut against Ciryl Gane at the UFC Freedom 250 event. ‘Poatan’ was ranked at #2 in the light heavyweight division before this change.

UFC heavyweight Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira is top 5 in the new UFC heavyweight rankings [via MMA Fighting]

Former interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez has been axed from the division’s rankings entirely after having last competed at UFC 314 over a year ago, beating ex-Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull. Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is also no longer a ranked fighter as he prepares to complete a move to light heavyweight and fight Nikita Krylov.

Speaking of 205lbs, the division has seen an interesting change with former champion Jamahal Hill being ranked at #5 despite not winning a fight in the last 3 years. In fact, his last win was when he won the UFC light heavyweight championship against Glover Teixeira. ‘Sweets Dreams’ is oddly ranked above Khalil Rountree Jr., who has a win over him, which was also Hill’s last appearance in the cage.

In the lighter weight classes, Raul Rosas Jr. and Payton Talbott have been removed from the rankings despite both having ranked wins in the last year. Talbott in particular got a very impressive victory over former double champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 323. Similarly, Rosas Jr. has a win over Rob Font who was once a perennial top 10 contender.

These are but some of the changes that have been made in the UFC’s rankings after the introduction of the new system in collaboration with Meta. That said, it will be very interesting to see how the new AI-based rankings shape the competitive landscape in the days to follow.

Also Read: