UFC unveils new algorithm-driven rankings system with Meta
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 9:20 PM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
The UFC has introduced a new rankings system in partnership with Meta, which began development in February 2025. This system eliminates human input, replacing it with an algorithmic approach that prioritizes fighter activity and performance metrics. Notable changes in rankings are already evident, with Raquel Pennington's fall from No. 2 to No. 15 and Pat Sabatini rising to No. 7 after a four-fight winning streak. Preliminary data suggests that the new system has increased the success rate of higher-ranked fighters winning matches. UFC CEO Dana White expressed optimism regarding the system's potential to enhance the sport's integrity and accuracy in rankings.
- •UFC partnered with Meta for new rankings system beginning February 2025.
- •Raquel Pennington dropped from No. 2 to No. 15 in new rankings.
- •Pat Sabatini moved to No. 7 after a four-fight winning streak.
- •Higher-ranked fighters won 63.5% of bouts under new system during trial.
- •Dana White emphasizes technology's role in improving rankings.
- 12:14 PMYahoo Sports — New Meta UFC ranking system was made with A.I. but doesn’t use A.I. – ‘It’s a mathematical model’
- 7:37 AMYahoo Sports — UFC unveils new 'Meta Rankings'
- 9:20 PMYahoo Sports — UFC launches new Meta-based rankings system, trading objectivity for nuance
"Hold onto your butts, fighters: Facebook is now in charge of the UFC rankings. Monday saw the rollout of the new Meta UFC Rankings, a mathematical model designed to take the subjectivity and alleged favoritism out of the long-maligned press-led ranking system. For now, both ranking systems are on display at UFC.com. But barring some […]
"UFC CEO Dana White has been critical of the UFC rankings system for years. Moving away from the traditional rankings compiled from media members, the fight promotion announced on Monday an AI generated ranking system powered by Meta. "As of June 22, 2026, the UFC will begin the transition of its ...
"UFC has debuted its new algorithm-driven rankings system in partnership with Meta. Find out how it works.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 12:14 PMNew Meta UFC ranking system was made with A.I. but doesn’t use A.I. – ‘It’s a mathematical model’
Hold onto your butts, fighters: Facebook is now in charge of the UFC rankings. Monday saw the rollout of the new Meta UFC Rankings, a mathematical model designed to take the subjectivity and alleged favoritism out of the long-maligned press-led ranking system. For now, both ranking systems are on display at UFC.com. But barring some […]
- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 7:37 AMUFC unveils new 'Meta Rankings'
UFC CEO Dana White has been critical of the UFC rankings system for years. Moving away from the traditional rankings compiled from media members, the fight promotion announced on Monday an AI generated ranking system powered by Meta. "As of June 22, 2026, the UFC will begin the transition of its ...
- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 9:20 PMUFC launches new Meta-based rankings system, trading objectivity for nuance
UFC has debuted its new algorithm-driven rankings system in partnership with Meta. Find out how it works.
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