UFC CEO Dana White revealed significant changes are on the horizon for the UFC fighter ranking system, expressing frustration over the current methodology, which has been in place for over a decade. During a media session after Dana White’s Contender Series 76, White addressed the shortcomings he perceives in the rankings, particularly highlighting Khalil Rountree’s placement at No. 8 in the light heavyweight division and Renato Moicano’s stagnant position following his recent victory.
Rountree, despite a strong performance against champion Alex Pereira, did not see his ranking rise after Pereira knocked him out in Round 3. Similarly, Moicano’s impressive win over Benoit Saint Denis in September failed to result in a significant ranking change. White’s dissatisfaction with the rankings process culminated in his declaration: “I just can’t handle incompetence. It’s driving me crazy. I can’t let people that I don’t believe know what the f*ck that they’re talking about deal with the rankings anymore.”
Since the UFC introduced the rankings in 2013, a select group of media outlets has voted on them, a system that has faced criticism for its inconsistencies. White pointed out that many reputable media outlets have opted out of participating, leaving a mix of contributors ranging from mainstream to niche MMA publications, and even non-MMA-specific radio stations and local newspapers.
While White did not disclose specific plans for the new ranking system, he mentioned a meeting scheduled for Wednesday with a group proposing a solution to the ranking dilemma. “I hope they are right. Because I’m going to change it. The media will no longer control the rankings in the UFC,” he asserted.
However, White expressed opposition to the idea of implementing internally-controlled rankings, suggesting that he, matchmakers Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby. And UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell should avoid involvement due to potential biases. “There has to be a third party or AI or something that does the rankings. It’s impossible not to be biased,” White explained. “I believe there is bias with the media, too. It’s impossible not to be biased.”
As the UFC looks to redefine its ranking system, fans and fighters alike will be watching closely to see how these changes unfold in the coming months.
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