UFC Picks Mark Zuckerberg's Meta As Official Technology Partner, Joins Forces To Revolutionize Fan Engagement: 'Smart Glasses Could Be The Next Computing Platform'

Benzinga
2025.04.03 08:09
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The UFC has partnered with Meta to enhance fan engagement through advanced technology. Meta becomes the UFC's first Official Fan Technology Partner, utilizing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Meta AI to create immersive experiences. This collaboration includes brand placements during events and exclusive content on Threads. The partnership signifies Meta's push into wearable tech, particularly smart glasses, which could redefine computing. UFC's global fan base of over 700 million presents a significant opportunity for Meta's expansion in virtual and augmented reality.

TheUltimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a subsidiary ofTKO Group HoldingsTKO, has entered into a multi-year partnership with tech giantMeta Platforms METAto transform fan engagement using Meta’s advanced technology.

What Happened: The UFC announced that Mark Zuckerberg‘s Meta is now the UFC’s first Official Fan Technology Partner. The partnership will utilize Meta’s technology platforms, services, and products, such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Threads, Meta AI, Meta Glasses, and Meta Quest, to deliver an unparalleled immersive UFC experience for fans.

Meta will also serve as the Official AI Glasses Partner of UFC, bringing the innovative application of its AI glasses to UFC events. “Mark and his team at Meta are going to do things that will blow away UFC fans,” said UFC President and CEO Dana White.

The partnership will incorporate Meta into UFC assets through extensive activations across all Pay-Per-Views and Fight Nights, featuring brand placement in the Octagon®, multiple broadcast integrations, and engaging in-arena fan experiences.

Threads, Meta’s text-based platform for public discussions, will be an Official Social Media Partner of the UFC, acting as the main hub for the UFC community and offering exclusive original content.

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Why It Matters: This partnership marks a significant step for Meta in its quest to expand beyond being a social media powerhouse. The partnership with UFC, which has a global fan base exceeding 700 million and over 300 million social media followers, could greatly accelerate Meta’s expansion into wearable technology, especially in virtual and augmented reality.

Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, launched in late 2023, have sold over 2 million units. While not a major revenue source yet, they are strategically important for Meta's AI ambitions. Powered by the Llama AI model, the glasses and Meta AI chatbot aim to enhance user engagement and improve ad targeting.

CNBC’s Paulina Likos stated, “Big picture Zuckerberg has a long-term vision that smart glasses could be the next computing platform, much like the smartphone ushered in the mobile computing era.”

Interestingly, this development comes on the heels of the news that Meta’s AI Chief, Joelle Pineau, is exiting the company in May.

Meta holds a momentum rating of 80.75% and a growth rating of 74.80%, according to Benzinga's Proprietary Edge Rankings. For an in-depth report on more stocks and insights into growth opportunities, sign up for Benzinga Edge.

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