In a groundbreaking move, the UFC has announced a multiyear partnership with Meta, the parent company of Facebook. This collaboration is set to revolutionize how mixed martial arts (MMA) is consumed by fans worldwide, leveraging Meta's cutting-edge technology platforms.
Under this partnership, UFC will integrate Meta's diverse range of products and services, including Meta AI, Meta Glasses, Meta Quest, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. These tools will provide fans with new and engaging ways to access UFC content, enhancing their overall experience.
“Meta has the greatest minds in tech, and they are going to take fan engagement to the next level,” said UFC President and CEO Dana White.
As part of the deal, the Meta brand will be prominently displayed inside the UFC Octagon and featured across various UFC broadcasts. Additionally, exclusive UFC content will be available on Meta’s social media platform, Threads, giving fans a fresh perspective on their favorite sport.
Mark Zuckerberg Expresses Enthusiasm for UFC Collaboration
Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who has a well-known passion for martial arts, expressed his excitement about the partnership.
“I love this sport, and I’m looking forward to working with the UFC to let fans experience it in new ways,” Zuckerberg said.
Zuckerberg has spent much of his time engaged in combined martial art training; he took part in his first jiu-jitsu tournament in 2023. His activity in the given sport even encouraged speculations about organizing a "cage match" with Elon Musk, Tesla's Chief Executive, though nothing materialized for the event.
This is definitely what joined a whole into the aspect where Dana White has very strong ties to Mark Zuckerberg given that, this type of relationship was merely natural for the partnership where UFC joined hands with Meta. Earlier this year, White had joined Meta's board. This partnership truly strengthens the kinship especially in their businesses.
It also somehow goes beyond that, considering the political proximity they have, as they were both acquainted to former president Donald Trump. After re-election in November, Trump's face was seen dining with Zuckerberg at one of his Mar-a-Lago estate dinners, while Meta donated a whopping $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund.
Trump connection
Trump has been around very many major fights through the years as a lifelong fan of the UFC. The relationship of White and Trump first Carried in 2001 when Trump hosted an event for the UFC at the Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City. Recently White has been one strong vocal proponent of Trump, speaking at different Republican national conventions in 2016, 2020, and 2024; and even making an appearance at Trump's election victory celebration.
Stock Market Reaction to UFC-Meta Partnership
Following the announcement, shares of Meta Platforms Inc. saw a slight increase in midday trading. Meanwhile, TKO Group Holdings Inc., UFC’s parent company, experienced a more than 2% surge in stock value.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for both organizations, paving the way for an innovative era in MMA content distribution and fan interaction.