Dana White was recently amused with an AI-generated list of UFC pound-for-pound (P4P) fighters, but he found the underlying concept quite intriguing.
As the daily integration of AI technologies expands across nearly every field, leading to improved and more accurate results, their application in the sports world has become increasingly unavoidable.
White has also previously conveyed his enthusiasm for integrating AI models, such as ChatGPT, into the UFC's ranking system. He envisions a future where these advanced algorithms take precedence over the current rankings panel, which consists of media representatives from various outlets.
During a recent interview with MMA journalist Kevin Iole, White’s vision gained momentum as he lambasted the rankings panel for failing to elevate Renato Moicano in the lightweight standings. This scrutiny came on the heels of "Money Moicano's" commanding TKO victory via doctor's stoppage against Benoît Saint Denis in the main event of UFC Fight Night Paris last weekend.
The rankings are definitely a problem," White said. "Moicano, I agree with you 100 percent. But don’t worry my friend; AI will be here soon, and this will all be fixed. We get all these bums that know nothing about fighting out of this sh*t and get AI in here, and we can fix all these rankings.
White Shares Excitement About AI In UFC Rankings
At the post-fight press conference for the latest episode of Dana White's Contender Series on Tuesday night, the UFC head honcho was handed a ChatGPT-generated list ranking the top five pound-for-pound fighters in the organization by a reporter. The list featured Alexander Volkanovski leading the pack, followed closely by Islam Makhachev, Leon Edwards, Charles Oliveira, and Aljamain Sterling - completely omitting Jon Jones.
I don't know what AI you're using, MMA Junkie AI?" White joked. "When we get a real AI platform in place... I can't wait.
White's response to the AI-generated pound-for-pound rankings was not quite surprising, particularly given that the system omitted the reigning UFC undisputed heavyweight champion, Jon Jones. White has been quite outspoken in his belief that "Bones" holds the status of the greatest fighter of all time.
- Read More: Jon Jones Reacts To Inclusion On Dana White’s MMA Mount Rushmore