Meta has just inked a multiyear pact with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), stepping in as the ‘Official Fan Technology Partner.’ This collaboration hints at a closer alignment of UFC’s mixed martial arts events with Meta’s platforms like Quest.
The UFC is planning to tap into Meta’s cutting-edge technologies to enhance fan engagement for millions worldwide. This includes utilizing tools like Meta AI, the futuristic Meta Glasses, and popular platforms such as Meta Quest, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.
Moreover, Meta is set to be recognized as the UFC’s ‘Official AI Glasses Partner.’ The goal? To bring a unique flair to UFC events by creatively incorporating their innovative AI glasses.
UFC President and CEO Dana White seems pretty excited about the partnership, stating, “I’ve had fantastic partners who have helped elevate this sport, but Mark and his Meta team are set to blow UFC fans away. Meta has some of the brightest minds in tech, and they’re about to revolutionize fan engagement. We’ve kicked off some innovations with Meta, including a new fighter rankings system, and I’ll share more on that soon. The upcoming years will be a game-changer for our fans.”
In an image captured during a UFC match in March, you can spot Priscilla Chan alongside Mark Zuckerberg in attendance. Their presence underscores Zuckerberg’s growing affection for the sport, which is no secret. The Meta founder and CEO himself has participated in several Jiu Jitsu tournaments.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Zuckerberg said, “I love this sport and can’t wait to explore new ways for fans to experience it alongside the UFC.”
Meanwhile, Dana White joined Meta’s board earlier this year, sitting alongside influential figures like John Elkann, CEO of investment firm Exor, and tech investor Charlie Songhurst.
For Meta’s Quest platform, the exact roadmap remains under wraps. But according to Meta, UFC content integration is anticipated, complete with activations at all Pay-Per-Views and Fight Nights. Expect brand appearances in the iconic Octagon, unique broadcast features, and inventive fan experiences within arenas.
Additionally, Meta’s social network Threads will host exclusive UFC content, adding another dimension to the partnership.
Back in 2022, UFC first collaborated with Meta to deliver 180-degree Fight Pass broadcasts on Horizon Worlds and the Xtadium app. The fresh deal likely aims to broaden and enhance how these UFC events are accessed via Quest, potentially amplifying their reach.
Stay tuned, as more updates on this partnership are expected to be revealed soon.
