The sport of mixed martial arts is highly competitive, with the UFC being the pinnacle promotion. As a result, fighters pay close attention to the UFC rankings. However, it seems that CEO Dana White has been unhappy with the rankings of his fighters. Initially, nothing changed, but with the UFC boss making threats, there have been some recent improvements in the rankings.
Dana White expressed frustration with the media after Max Holloway’s impressive victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. According to the UFC CEO, Holloway’s performance deserved a higher ranking than his ninth position, especially considering Gaethje’s third-place ranking. Similarly, White voiced concerns about Khalil Rountree’s ranking at number eight despite impressive performance against Alex Pereira.
Following White’s comments, the latest UFC rankings reflected his opinions. Max Holloway was moved up to number 5 in the UFC lightweight division. Not only that, but Khalil Rountree’s ranking improved to number 7 in the UFC light heavyweight division. Interestingly, before these changes, Dana White even threatened the ranking panel, saying he would start relying on AI instead of them.
Just a few days after Dana White said he was going to remove the “morons” from the UFC rankings panel, Max Holloway and Khalil Rountree suddenly moved up in the rankings 😅
🎥 @RobbieBarstool / @danawhite #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/k2SVzEzsSF
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 22, 2024
Some sports journalists found Dana White’s idea quite amusing. They decided to search for the UFC rankings using AI. Surprisingly, the AI excluded UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones from the list, which was shown to White during a press conference.
In response, the UFC CEO said he would find a better and more reliable AI platform for the rankings. It appears the MMA media didn’t want the AI to replace and oblige the UFC boss, or so it seems. Despite the potential of AI, a former UFC champion does not favor it.
Daniel Cormier concerned about Dana White’s proposed AI takeover of UFC rankings
Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier is undoubtedly one of the most respected individuals in the community. His astounding feats as a fighter in the promotion have been remarkable which compliments his current stature in the UFC community. Due to this, Cormier doesn’t shy away from speaking his heart out, even if it has to be against White.
The athlete rankings had been a source of frustration for several prominent UFC fighters. Rising UFC lightweight fighter Renato Moicano recently criticized the panel responsible for the rankings. As a result, the UFC CEO had to address the issue publicly. However, Daniel Cormier expressed concerns about the proposed solution during the discussion.
I believe that when you change [the rankings], and they will, it will lead to a different set of complaints from people. It will make us all feel good internally. Every one of us, it will all make us feel good internally. But people on the outside are still going to find a reason to complain.
Daniel Cormier on his official YouTube channel
DC’s prime concern is that this could open up doors to reporters who don’t cover the sport on the ground. Per Cormier, the live reporters present in the live arena must be the ones deciding the rankings. However, as of now, everything in and around the athlete rankings is quite ambiguous. The recently updated rankings might seemingly please many, but what White thinks about that remains to be seen.
