League: UFC Sport: MMA Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

UFC plans merit-based rankings system amid Dana White's concerns

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 1:04 AM

Last updated Jun 8, 2026

UFC plans merit-based rankings system amid Dana White's concerns

Summary

The UFC is developing a new rankings system focused on measurable in-cage performance rather than media voting. Dana White has criticized the current process for not reflecting fighters' true standings, citing several controversial rankings decisions over the past two years. He has expressed frustration over how rankings can be influenced by personal biases and popularity rather than actual outcomes in fights. UFC commentator Brendan Fitzgerald mentioned during the UFC Vegas 118 broadcast that the new system is aimed at rewarding performance based on factors like competition strength and consistency. Discussions with tech companies regarding an AI-driven model indicate a significant shift in the rankings approach might be imminent.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Dana White has repeatedly criticized UFC's current rankings system.
•New rankings will be based on measurable fight performance.
•Fitzgerald announced the development during UFC Vegas 118.
•Current rankings are influenced by a media voting panel.
•Discussions with tech companies like Meta could support the new model.

Latest Updates

1:04 AMYahoo Sports — UFC Working on New Merit-Based Rankings System After Years of Dana White’s Frustration

What they're saying

"
Over the past two years, Dana White has repeatedly called out what he sees as flaws in the UFC’s rankings system. The UFC CEO has frequently criticized the media-voted rankings, arguing that they often fail to accurately reflect fighters’ performances and standing within their divisions. One of the most notable examples came in October 2024, […]
— Yahoo Sports

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