A UFC fighter has spoken out against the organization’s growing reliance on artificial intelligence for promotional content, joining a chorus of fan dissatisfaction.
Fans have frequently expressed their frustration with how the UFC promotes its events, often contrasting it with the polished, cinematic style seen in major boxing promotions. Now, with AI revolutionizing content creation, the UFC appears to be heavily adopting this technology. This trend was particularly noticeable in the teaser for UFC Freedom 250, set to be held at the White House, which was largely created using AI and quickly ignited debate among fans.
Despite significant backlash from the community, Dana White and chief content officer Craig Borsari have indicated that the company intends to further integrate AI and similar technologies. White even dismissed criticism by stating, “shut the fu*k up and watch the fights.”
However, Renato Moicano holds a different view, suggesting that the push towards AI-generated content is a disservice to UFC fans.
Renato Moicano Voices Frustration Over UFC’s AI-Made Promos
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Renato Moicano criticized the UFC’s AI-generated promo for its White House event. Moicano argued that a promotion generating record revenue should prioritize high-quality production over machine-made videos, which he believes do not meet fan expectations.
“The UFC is not going to be very happy for me to say that, but I didn’t like it,” Moicano stated. “I think that’s disrespectful towards the fans, because I am a fan myself. If you can’t put Alex Pereira or Ilia Topuria on an airplane and put them in Washington in front of the White House, I don’t think that’s good. I think that’s sloppy. I don’t like to use AI in my stuff. I’m not saying AI doesn’t help, some stuff I use AI. But not for content. Because I think people can see that’s just sloppy. That’s brain rot.”