Meta has teamed up with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in a multi-year deal, stepping in as the ‘Official Fan Technology Partner’. This partnership hints at a more seamless inclusion of UFC’s mixed martial arts content into Meta’s Quest and other platforms.
The UFC plans to tap into Meta’s cutting-edge technological tools to massively boost fan interaction, aiming to connect with hundreds of millions of followers worldwide. This initiative will utilize Meta’s vast array of innovations like Meta AI, Meta Glasses, Meta Quest, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.
What’s more, Meta is also designated as the ‘Official AI Glasses Partner’ for the UFC. They’re set to collaborate on deploying these revolutionary glasses in intriguing ways during UFC events, promising fans a fresh viewing experience.
“I’ve had numerous exceptional partners over the years who have helped expand this sport, but Mark and his team at Meta are prepared to wow UFC fans like never before,” remarked UFC President and CEO Dana White. He praised Meta for having some of the brightest minds in tech and teased upcoming innovations, including a novel fighter ranking system. According to White, these initiatives will redefine fan interaction in the sport in the coming years.
The partnership is particularly fitting, given that Meta’s founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has become quite the UFC aficionado, even dabbling in Jiu-Jitsu competitions himself. “I’m thrilled to work with the UFC to bring this sport to fans in novel ways,” Zuckerberg shared.
Earlier this year, Dana White joined Meta’s board of directors, accompanied by John Elkann from investment firm Exor and tech investor Charlie Songhurst.
While details on the Quest integration are still sparse, Meta does mention plans for comprehensive involvement during Pay-Per-View events and Fight Nights. This includes brand displays in the iconic Octagon, multiple broadcast integrations, and inventive fan experiences within arenas.
Moreover, the deal plans to include Meta’s social platform, Threads, featuring exclusive original content related to the UFC.
Back in 2022, UFC and Meta first joined forces to offer 180-degree Fight Pass livestreams on Horizon Worlds and the Xtadium app, Meta’s social VR platform. With this new engagement, the aim seems to be the expansion of licensing across Quest, promising to elevate the visibility of UFC events on this platform.
Fans won’t have to wait too long for more updates, as both companies have promised to unveil further details about this promising partnership soon.
