The UFC's newly introduced AI-generated rankings have prompted debate, with observers welcoming the removal of veteran fighters who had outgrown their top-15 placements, including Vera, Ortega, Emmett, Dariusz, Lewis, and Andrade. Critics have questioned the logic behind certain placements, pointing to flyweight Kevin Borhas sitting at number ten despite a 2-4 UFC record, no finishes, and a recent missed weight, while Charles Johnson ranks five spots lower despite a more impressive résumé. The AI rankings are currently running in parallel with the existing media rankings, with the old system still influencing matchmaking.
The UFC's newly launched AI-generated rankings system has sparked widespread debate across the MMA community, with reactions ranging from cautious approval to sharp criticism over specific placements.
On the positive side, observers have largely welcomed the removal of several fighters who had lingered in divisional top-15s beyond their prime performances. Veterans including Vera, Ortega, Emmett, Dariusz, Lewis, and Andrade were among those moved out, a culling that many felt was long overdue under the previous media-driven system.
However, the AI model has also drawn scrutiny for placements that strike some analysts as counterintuitive. Flyweight Kevin Borhas sits at number ten in his division despite carrying a 2-4 UFC record, recording no finishes, and recently missing weight — a combination that critics argue should disqualify him from a top-ten spot entirely. Meanwhile, Charles Johnson, whose résumé is considered notably stronger by those following the division closely, sits five places lower at fifteen.
Why it matters
- The AI rankings are running alongside the existing media rankings, meaning the old system still has direct influence on matchmaking despite the parallel rollout.
- Fighters near the top-fifteen bubble face uncertainty about which system will determine their next opponent or title opportunities.
- The Borhas-versus-Johnson disparity has become a focal point for broader skepticism about whether the algorithm adequately weights finishing ability, weight-management reliability, and overall win quality.
- How the UFC reconciles the two systems — and when or whether the AI model takes full control — remains the central question for fighters and management alike.
The UFC has not announced a timeline for the AI rankings to fully replace the current media panel structure, leaving the sport in an unusual transitional period where two parallel systems may produce conflicting matchmaking signals.
