Meta has entered an exciting partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), securing the title of ‘Official Fan Technology Partner’ in a multiyear agreement. This collaboration might result in a more seamless integration of UFC’s mixed martial arts events across Quest and Meta’s other platforms.
The UFC plans to utilize Meta’s array of advanced technologies to enhance engagement with millions of fans around the globe. Included in this technological arsenal are Meta AI, Meta Glasses, Meta Quest, and popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.
As the ‘Official AI Glasses Partner’, Meta will explore innovative uses for their cutting-edge AI glasses at UFC events, promising to revamp how fans experience the sport.
UFC President and CEO Dana White expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Throughout the years, we’ve partnered with many great innovators who helped our sport grow. However, Mark and his team at Meta have ambitious plans for redefining fan engagement. We’ve already begun collaborating on some exciting initiatives, including a new fighter rankings system I will unveil shortly. Fans can expect groundbreaking changes in the coming years.”
This collaboration is particularly fitting given Meta’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg, has become a dedicated fan of the UFC and even participated in Jiu Jitsu competitions. “The sport fascinates me, and I’m eager to work with the UFC to transform how fans experience it,” Zuckerberg remarked.
On the business front, Dana White joined Meta’s board in January alongside notable figures like John Elkann, CEO of Exor, and tech investor Charlie Songhurst.
While specifics about the integration on Quest remain under wraps, Meta indicates that UFC’s presence will be felt in every Pay-Per-View and Fight Night through brand placements, unique broadcasts, and engaging in-arena experiences. Additionally, UFC content will feature prominently on Meta’s social platform, Threads.
The partnership builds upon a 2022 collaboration that brought 180-degree Fight Pass livestreams to Horizon Worlds and the Xtadium app. This renewed alliance hints at expanding and evolving how licensed UFC content is accessed across Quest, potentially boosting its visibility.
More information about this promising partnership is expected soon, keeping fans eagerly anticipating what’s next for UFC in the digital realm.
