Dana White and Co. had to go outside the UFC, halfway across the world to Japan to find an opponent for flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310. But then again the 125lbs division, the lightest men’s division in the promotion has a different tale altogether. Every so often, there are rumors that the UFC is looking to end the division altogether, and for understandable reasons. The division is seen as commercially ineffective, unable to sell many PPVs, and lacking exciting, superstar fighters for the most part.

This is why Dana White is thought to be not too happy with the division. And one fan thought they would enlist the help of someone who has read everything that has been written about the division and its problems- ChatGPT. And the answers the chatbot gave were pretty reasonable and helpful.

ChatGPT felt that among the many problems faced by the 125lbs division, were its struggles with “fan engagement”, and its bouts “lacking excitement”. In addition, the chatbot observed that its “identity remains underdeveloped, and the constant turnover of contenders can make it feel less cohesive,” despite the presence of absolute warriors like Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Moreno in the division.

I asked ChatGPT to solve these UFC’s flyweight problem.
byu/grahamo1892 inufc

The first suggestion ChatGPT had to improve the flyweight division was that the promotion should invest even more in promoting fights and stars in the division, and try to attract more fans by showcasing “the exciting, fast-paced nature of flyweight fights.” Flyweight fights indeed are pretty exciting and full of action. The 125-pounders are quick and pretty athletic since they’re not as heavy as their divisional counterparts. Now let us look at the other three suggestions ChatGPT had for the UFC’s flyweight division.

ChatGPT’s suggestions for Dana White and Co. to breathe new life into the flyweight division

The second suggestion was also quite stellar, as ChatGPT suggested that one of the quickest ways for fans to get invested in the flyweight division is to “develop rivalries”. After all, who doesn’t like a good storyline? In fact, the UFC’s TKO Holdings sister company, WWE, became a global phenomenon precisely because of its ability to have great, entertaining storylines and memorable storylines.

Combat sports, after all, is part of showbiz and there is nothing fans like more than a good old-fashioned rivalry. In addition, ChatGPT suggested the UFC put significant resources into promoting its flyweights in the Asian market, “where smaller fighters have large followings.” After all, promotions like ONE Championship and RIZIN FF have a plethora of flyweight and bantamweight talent and are constantly featured in the main event of marquee shows.

After all, the likes of Rodtang and Superlek are by far the biggest Asian combat sports stars and fight in the lower weight classes. Another factor in the equation is that people in many parts of Asia are on average smaller in size than their American and European counterparts, which could give Asian fans another dimension to identify with the UFC flyweights.

The fourth and final suggestion the chatbot made was to have “consistent title defenses.” The chatbot feels that putting the champion consistently in front of people would lead to fans getting more exposure to them, increasing their recognizability and star power. What do you think about ChatGPT’s suggestions for Dana White and the UFC to make their flyweight division better?