UFC President and CEO Dana White has risked the wrath of his fanbase. The UFC has recently received some criticism for its use of generative AI for broadcast content and music during recent events. There is a belief that a company that earns as much money as the UFC should be paying artists to help the overall creative industry stay afloat.
Unfortunately for those fans, White didn’t appear to be impressed. In fact, he literally sent a big “f–k you” to anyone who has aired their concerns on the matter. His comments came during a recent news conference.
“Give me a f—–g break,” White said. “AI is coming, and if we’re using AI, who gives a s–t? People are upset, and we should use artists? How about this? Shut the f–k up and watch the fights.”
White’s comments may be a little tone-deaf. After all, if the UFC’s fanbase abandoned its programming due to its stance on generative AI, the company would hemorrhage money. Without the fans, White could be forced to air AI-simulated fights because there wouldn’t be enough money to pay his fighters.
Of course, that is an extreme example. However, it does drive home the point that without the fans, the UFC, or any entertainment company, would be struggling to stay afloat.
AI has become an increasingly divisive topic, as it continues to decimate multiple industries and cost thousands upon thousands of jobs.
Ronda Rousey Recently Criticized the UFC’s Pay Structure
It’s clear that the UFC’s decision to use generative AI is about maximizing the company’s bottom line. What’s interesting is that former UFC Women’s World Champion, Ronda Rousey, recently called the company out for how poorly it pays its fighters.
“It used to be that the UFC was the best place that you can come in combat sports to make a living and get paid fairly,” Rousey said. “Now, it’s no longer. It’s one of the worst places to go. It’s why so many of their top athletes are leaving to go and find pay elsewhere… They can’t support their families. They’re living [at the] poverty level, fighting full-time. This company just got $7.7 billion. There’s no reason they can’t afford to pay their athletes at least a living wage. Not even that. To at least be able to match what these athletes are making in other sports.”
The UFC is certainly under growing pressure regarding its cost-cutting measures. Sooner or later, it will need to address some of these concerns, and a simple “f–k you” isn’t going to cut it.
