Dana White’s UFC Using AI is ‘Sloppy and Brain Rotting’, Claims Company Man Renato Moicano

UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano criticizes CEO Dana White and the UFC for increasing use of AI after UFC Freedom 250 promo.

Dana White’s UFC Using AI is ‘Sloppy and Brain Rotting’, Claims Company Man Renato Moicano

Renato Moicano goes off on AI (via Bloody Elbow)

In Short
  • Renato Moicano criticized UFC's use of AI in promotional content, calling it disrespectful to fans.
  • UFC CEO Dana White defended the promotion's reliance on AI, urging fans to focus on the fights instead.
  • The UFC's recent AI-generated promo for UFC Freedom 250 drew significant backlash for its lack of authenticity.

UFC CEO Dana White has consistently defended the promotion’s push toward growth and innovation. He has responded to critics questioning UFC practices, including fighter compensation and contract structures. He maintains these decisions are necessary for progress and long-term success. Now, UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano has criticized White’s defense of using AI in promotional content.

During fight week, the UFC uses AI systems from partners like IBM and 4D Sight to support event operations. IBM and the UFC developed the UFC Insights Engine, which analyzes historical and live fight data. It produces advanced statistics and contextual insights for broadcasts and digital platforms. However, this growing reliance on AI has drawn backlash over concerns about overuse and authenticity.

The UFC recently revealed its first promo for the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. The video featured stars like Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Alex Pereira, and Ciryl Gane stepping out of cars in formal suits. The visuals were clearly AI-generated rather than traditionally filmed. This presentation drew widespread attention and set the stage for Moicano to recently criticize the approach.

I saw it, and I didn’t like it at all. UFC’s not going to be very happy for me to say that, but I didn’t like it. I think that’s disrespectful towards the fans, because I’m a fan myself. If you can’t put Alex Pereira or Ilia Topuria on an airplane and put them in Washington D.C., in front of the White House, I think that’s sloppy. I don’t like to use AI on my stuff at all. I’m not saying it doesn’t help for some stuff, but not for content. People can see when it’s sloppy, and that’s brain-rotting everybody right now.

Renato Moicano via The Ariel Helwani Show

White was also asked about the growing use of AI at the recent UFC Seattle press conference. He responded with a heated reply, dismissing concerns about the promotion’s approach. He urged fans to focus on enjoying the fights instead of debating such topics. White is also in partnership with Meta AI and maintains a close friendship with Mark Zuckerberg, further highlighting his ties to artificial intelligence.

However, Moicano has always been a company man, supporting White. He was previously criticized for turning down $200,000 from a $375 million class action lawsuit settlement. UFC veteran Matt Brown and several other fighters questioned his decision publicly at the time. Moicano later explained that he refused the offer because he did not want to go against his principles and personal stance.

Renato Moicano recently made a statement with a second-round submission win over Chris Duncan at UFC Vegas 115. The victory further strengthened his position in the lightweight division. He also delivered one of his standard and humorous post-fight interviews following the bout. As debates around AI continue, his stance places him at odds with Dana White and the UFC’s evolving approach.

Rival promoter questions why Dana White was not present at Zuffa Boxing star’s promotional debut

UFC CEO Dana White has faced criticism from Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn over his expansion into boxing. The two have traded verbal jabs and organizational criticism in recent months. Their back-and-forth escalated as both sides questioned each other’s business decisions. The tension intensified when White signed Matchroom’s star welterweight Conor Benn to a record $15 million single-fight deal.

Dana White
Dana White (via X)

Conor Benn already made his promotional debut under Zuffa Boxing contract on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov. He secured a win over Regis Prograis in that debut appearance, marking a strong start under the banner. However, many noticed that Dana White was not present at the event. This absence drew wider attention and ultimately led to public comments from Eddie Hearn.

I was quite surprised that you’d make that unbelievable investment and not even turn up… You must have some serious money if you’re just willing to spunk 15 million up the wall in a 10-round fight, and not even send anybody to sort of try and secure that deal post the one- fight deal. Quite astonishing.

Eddie Hearn via The Ariel Helwani Show

The rivalry between Eddie Hearn and Dana White has grown increasingly personal in recent months. Hearn even called out White for a fight as their exchanges intensified further. Dana White declined the challenge, pointing to their age and lack of professional combat sports experience. This latest jab from Hearn continues to keep their ongoing feud active and firmly in the spotlight.

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