Dana White has made it clear: as long as Jon Jones holds UFC gold, no one else belongs at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. Yet, Islam Makhachev currently sits at the summit—a placement that has often bothered the UFC CEO. Last year, White even floated the idea of using AI to overhaul the ranking system, though that promise still hangs in limbo. While the P4P drama had seemingly cooled down, Dan Hooker has reignited the flames, drawing the ire of fans and once again putting the spotlight on one of MMA’s most divisive debates.

While having a conversation with ‘Submission Radio,’ Dan Hooker suggested that the UFC should drop down the ranking system forever as this doesn’t make sense for the fighters. Instead, Dana White should adopt a new system. Hooker’s pitch? – “I don’t know why we got these stupid numbers next to our name,” said Hooker.

He further added, “Just before a guy fights, just play his highlight reels. And if it’s double legs and single legs, well then, why the f–k would you give him a title shot? Play his highlight reel, and then have him fight. Like, your record should be your highlight reel.” Quite a bold statement from Hooker considering Dana White is already looking to make a massive change in the ranking system.

Last year, Dana White expressed interest in implementing AI into the UFC’s ranking system. Months later, the UFC CEO became a key member of Meta’s Board of Directors and announced a partnership between the UFC and the tech giant to revolutionize the combat sports sector.

At the UFC 311 post-fight press conference, Dana White was asked about the progress of the AI implementation in the company, to which the UFC CEO stated, “We’re still working on it, and actually, we should be announcing that in the next few weeks, right? Yeah, like two or three weeks.”

It must be noted that the White has been working day and night to persuade the Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to accelerate the AI implementation in the ranking system. According to the Meta CEO, Dana White, will “add a depth of expertise and perspective that will help us tackle the massive opportunities ahead with AI, wearables, and the future of human connection.” The UFC CEO is all in for the AI implementation but Dan Hooker has something different in his mind and this has irked the MMA community.

MMA community calls out Dan Hooker for his ranking statement

Being a predominantly striking-based fighter, wrestling has always been a weak point for Dan Hooker—though not a glaring one. Hooker has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in dealing with wrestling challenges, but it has never quite been enough. When he faced Islam Makhachev at UFC 267, Hooker was confident that he could find a way to counter the Dagestani’s grappling. However, Makhachev quickly asserted his dominance, taking Hooker down in the very first round and securing a victory via kimura submission. Looking at this, a fan wrote, “an expected take from a fighter who can’t wrestle to save his life and is beyond his shelf life.”

A ranking system is the essence of a combat sports organization because it separates the best from the rest. If it falls apart, the sport itself could be at risk. Reflecting on this, a fan wrote, “Because the best are supposed to fight the best?” Furthermore, another fan called out to the Aussie for being more focused on marketing, attention-seeking, or self-promotion than actual fighting: “Does he know sport is called MMA or too much CTA?”

Moreover, another fan called Dan Hooker out for his substandard wrestling skills, “Just say you can’t wrestle bro.”  It must be noted that the MMA community has always been critical of fighters who excel in striking but crumble against elite wrestlers. When Conor McGregor was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov, he made several statements against him, but fans shut him down, insisting that he should focus on improving his wrestling.

Another fan appeared to be sarcastic as he stated, “Why do mma in an mma fight?” Last but not least, Dan Hooker found some backing from a fan, “That’s the gladiator mentality. No rankings, no weight classes. Just blood and octagon..”

As of May, the UFC has yet to implement AI systems into their rankings, but sooner or later, we’re likely to see it happen. What are your thoughts on all the hubbub? Share your opinion in the comments below