The UFC appears to be moving closer to one of the biggest structural changes in recent company history. After years of criticism from fighters, fans, and analysts, the promotion is developing a new rankings system designed to remove much of the subjectivity that has defined the current model.
For years, UFC rankings have been determined by a panel of media voters. The process has often sparked controversy, with questions surrounding inactive fighters, inconsistent movement in the rankings, and media bias.
Now, the promotion is looking toward a more data-driven approach.
UFC Wants Rankings Based on Results
During a recent UFC Fight Night broadcast, commentator Brendan Fitzgerald revealed that work is underway on a completely new rankings model.
“A new UFC ranking system is currently being developed that will be based on measurable performance, not opinion, not popularity.”
According to Fitzgerald, the goal is to create a system that evaluates fighters through objective criteria rather than human voting. Factors expected to play a role include quality of opposition, recent activity, winning consistency, and overall performance inside the Octagon.
He added that the system is “being designed to reward performance and better reflect results inside the octagon.”
The proposed changes could dramatically alter how fighters climb the ladder. Under the current format, defeating a higher-ranked opponent often results in simply taking over that position. The circumstances surrounding the win rarely have a major impact on rankings movement.
Dana White Previously Pushed for an AI Solution
The announcement follows comments made by UFC CEO Dana White in late 2024, when he publicly criticized the existing rankings structure.
White expressed frustration with the voting process and suggested that technology could provide a more accurate alternative. Artificial intelligence was repeatedly mentioned as a possible solution during those discussions.
Since then, speculation has continued regarding potential technology partners. Several reports and industry rumors have linked major companies such as IBM and Meta to future UFC data projects, although no official partnership has been confirmed for the rankings initiative.
Many details remain unknown. The UFC has not revealed who is developing the system, how individual metrics will be weighted, or when the new rankings could be implemented.
Inactivity Could Finally Carry Consequences
One of the biggest complaints surrounding the current rankings is how inactivity is handled.
For years, megastar Conor McGregor managed to sit comfortably in the Lightweight top 15 despite going stretches of nearly two years without a divisional win. It seemed as if his mere social media presence kept him relevant in the eyes of rankers.
Similarly, former bantamweight king Dominick Cruz famously retained a top-5 ranking during a multi-year layoff due to severe injuries. And Stockton native Nate Diaz also occupied a high ranking while actively sitting out during contract disputes with Dana White.
Because a high ranking protects a fighter’s brand value and leverage, the UFC often leaves these massive names untouched. This effectively stalls the division and forces rising, active contenders to fight backward while the stars magically float at the top based entirely on past glory.
Perhaps the most egregious modern example of this ranking stagnation is Colby Covington. For years, Covington masterfully used his polarizing, heel persona to anchor himself at the absolute peak of the welterweight division despite staggering periods of inactivity. At one point, he went over four years without securing a single victory over an actively ranked welterweight, yet he consistently held a top-5 spot.
An automated system could change that dynamic. If activity becomes a measurable part of the formula, fighters who spend long periods on the sidelines could see their rankings decline.
Let’s hope the UFC fixes this!