MMA News wrap-up: UFC embraces AI, Jorge Masvidal vs. Leon Edwards past its due date (?), more
Dana White and the UFC have made it no secret they’re constantly looking towards the future, a future that involves working with tech giant Mark Zuckerberg.
This week, that partnership became official as the combat sports leader announced a multi-year deal with Zuckerberg’s Meta corporation, with an emphasis on “fan technology.” White also made sure to mention his expectation that the team-up will result in an overhauled ranking system for the UFC, though he’s yet to specify exactly what changes will be made and how those supposed improvements will be implemented.
White did not explicitly mention AI in this week’s press release, but he has previously stated—in not so many words—that algorithmic ranking could be the best way to ensure that fighters are slotted in their proper place. It’s not as if anyone else has come up with a superior set of rankings, AHEM.
Fans are skeptical as to how this partnership will actually lead to an improved viewing experience and if it’s just more insubstantial bells and whistles meant to drive more cash into TKO’s pockets.
Jorge Masvidal calls out Leon Edwards to finally settle their beef: ‘I’ll come off the couch and whoop your ass’
How did it come to this? Once upon a time, Jorge Masvidal vs. Leon Edwards had as much heat as any feud in combat sports. Now? Sounds like fans are over it. Way over it.
Ian Machado Garry vs. Carlos Prates now headlines UFC Kansas City
Readers weren’t exactly over the moon with the announcement that Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley were running it back, but the reaction to Ian Machado Garry signing on to fight the dangerous Carlos Prates has been considerably more positive.
Zack Snyder to direct new UFC movie ‘Brawler’
Dana White teaming up with Zack Snyder and Turki Alalshikh to make a UFC movie? OK, this could be pretty terrible, but damn you guys were merciless in the comments!
Poll of the Week
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Should Henry Cejudo have stayed retired?
In other news…
- Lerone Murphy did more than enough to beat Josh Emmett in the UFC Vegas 105 main event, but did his latest win move him any closer to a title shot?
- Rampage vs. Rashad 2 is off.
- Alexandre Pantoja and Kyoji Horiguchi are buds, but all bets are off if they’re booked for a UFC title fight.
- Ryan Bader is a free agent.
- Drew Dober gives his vague recollection of a brutal stoppage loss.
- Aleksei Oleinik fought in BKFC and it DID NOT go well.
- Don’t miss the craziest finish of the craziest one-round fight of 2025.
- Check out the results for PFL’s 2025 kickoff event in case you missed it.
- GFL has announced dates for its debut cards. One step closer to reality!
