Meta and UFC Strengthen Partnership with New Agreement Covering Quest and Smart Glasses Platforms

Meta has just secured a significant multiyear partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), stepping into the role of the ‘Official Fan Technology Partner.’ This collaboration hints at an exciting future where we’ll likely see mixed martial arts events from the UFC woven even tighter into Meta’s platforms like Quest and others.

The UFC has big plans to utilize Meta’s suite of leading-edge technologies to boost fan interaction on a global scale. This includes tools and platforms such as Meta AI, Meta Glasses, Meta Quest, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. As a part of this, Meta will also be officially recognized as the UFC’s ‘Official AI Glasses Partner.’ The organizations are gearing up to creatively integrate these advanced AI glasses into UFC events, promising a fresh experience for fans.

UFC President and CEO Dana White expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Over the years, we’ve had some incredible partnerships that have helped us elevate this sport, but teaming up with Mark and the Meta crew is on another level. Their tech genius is set to revolutionize how our fans engage with the UFC.” He also hinted at some groundbreaking innovations already in the works, like a revamped fighter rankings system, which will be unveiled soon. According to White, the next few years could indeed transform the fan experience.

It makes perfect sense for Meta’s founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to embark on this venture as his personal love for the sport has grown over time; he has even competed in several Jiu Jitsu tournaments. “I’m thrilled about diving into this sport and finding new ways for the fans to experience it,” shared Zuckerberg.

Earlier this year, White joined Meta’s board alongside other notable names like John Elkann, CEO of Exor, and tech investor Charlie Songhurst. This step further solidifies the bond between the tech giant and the UFC.

While specifics about the collaboration with Quest remain under wraps, Meta assures us that we can expect to see UFC integrated thoroughly throughout their offerings. This includes major features in Pay-Per-Views and Fight Nights, branding within the iconic Octagon, numerous broadcast elements, and innovative in-arena experiences tailored for fans. Additionally, Meta’s social platform Threads will offer exclusive, original UFC content.

This isn’t Meta’s first rodeo with the UFC; back in 2022, they joined forces to introduce 180-degree Fight Pass livestreams on Horizon Worlds, Quest’s social VR space, as well as the Xtadium app. Now, with this new agreement, they appear poised to broaden and refine their licensing endeavors across Quest, likely enhancing UFC’s visibility on the platform.

We can expect to hear more about this promising partnership soon, as both companies prepare to reveal additional details.