On January 14, 2026, UFC President Dana White made a major announcement that has already begun to shape the landscape of the sport for the coming year. In addition to unveiling new fights for upcoming events, White revealed a landmark deal with Meta (formerly Facebook) that will see the legendary UFC APEX venue in Las Vegas rebranded as Meta APEX.
This announcement is one of the most significant early developments of 2026, signaling not only an evolution of the brand but also exciting possibilities in fan engagement, technology integration, and the organization’s future event strategy.
🏛️ UFC APEX Renamed to Meta APEX
Dana White confirmed that the iconic UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas will be officially rebranded as Meta APEX under a five-year naming rights agreement with Meta, the technology company led by Mark Zuckerberg.
🔑 Key Highlights:
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The APEX venue will now be called Meta APEX, reflecting the extended partnership between UFC and Meta.
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Meta’s technology — including AI, VR, and wearable tech — will be integrated into the fan experience inside the facility.
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For the first time, ticket sales will be open to the general public for events held at the venue.
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The renovation includes expanded seating capacity, new hospitality spaces, and upgraded retail and concession areas.
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Meta APEX will host UFC Fight Nights, Zuffa Boxing, UFC BJJ, and Dana White’s Contender Series events.
This rebranding marks a new chapter for a facility that has been central to UFC programming since 2019, hosting hundreds of events and serving as a hub for Fight Nights even after the pandemic.
📍 Why This Matters
Meta’s involvement goes beyond a naming deal. The partnerships suggest a future where tech and combat sports intersect, enhancing how fans experience live fight content through immersive technology — something Dana White emphasized as part of the venue’s next phase.
🗓️ New Fights Announced by Dana White
Alongside the Meta APEX news, notable fight announcements were confirmed or reported around the same time, solidifying several cards in early 2026:
🥊 Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer — UFC Seattle (March 28, 2026)
One of the most talked-about fight news items is the return of former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Dana White confirmed that Adesanya is set to make his comeback against rising contender Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Seattle on March 28, 2026.
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Israel Adesanya — former UFC Middleweight Champion, coming out of a 13-month hiatus.
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Joe Pyfer — a rising middleweight contender known for his knockout power and recent surge in wins.
This fight is significant: it marks Izzy’s first octagon appearance since early 2025 and gives fans a clear view of whether he can return to elite form after a challenging period.
🥊 Zuffa Boxing Debut at Meta APEX
Dana White also publicly confirmed the first headline fight for Zuffa Boxing, a boxing promotion launched under the UFC/TKO umbrella:
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Callum Walsh vs. Carlos Ocampo — set to be the main event for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing card on January 23, 2026, at the newly-named Meta APEX.
This fight marks an expansion of Dana White’s combat sports footprint beyond MMA, giving fans crossover boxing action inside a UFC-branded arena.
🌍 Events and Cards Shaping Up at Meta APEX
With the venue transition, several UFC cards are now tied to Meta APEX:
📆 Key Upcoming Fight Night Events
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UFC Vegas 113 — scheduled for February 7, 2026, at Meta APEX, with a main event between Mario Bautista and Vinicius Oliveira (fight card not officially announced by UFC yet, but widely reported).
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UFC Fight Night 269 — March 14, 2026, Meta APEX (likely featuring a women’s strawweight bout as part of the card).
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UFC Fight Night 272 — April 4, 2026, Meta APEX — reported matchups include Virna Jandiroba vs. Tabatha Ricci, among others, positioning the arena as a hotspot for stacked regional cards.
🧠 Context: What This Means for the UFC in 2026
📌 1. Strategic Upgrade of Fan Experience
Meta APEX isn’t just a cosmetic rename — it’s a statement of intent toward tech innovation in sports entertainment. UFC is leveraging Meta’s platforms to pioneer:
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immersive fan experiences
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interactive Boxing and MMA offerings
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extended digital engagement initiatives
This aligns with broader efforts to grow the sport’s settings beyond stadium arenas and into next-generation tech environments.
📌 2. Expansion of Combat Sports Portfolio
With Zuffa Boxing launching and integrated into Meta APEX schedules, UFC isn’t limiting itself to MMA. This diversified approach positions Dana White and the UFC brand as combat sport ecosystem leaders capable of hosting:
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MMA events
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Boxing cards
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu showcase events
This development could create synergy for fighters and fans alike.
📌 3. Adesanya’s Return Gives 2026 a Narrative Arc
Israel Adesanya’s confirmed return — a major storyline — gives UFC a compelling sporting narrative for the year. Fans are eager to see if “Izzy” can reestablish himself against rising contenders.
Dana White’s announcement on January 14, 2026 has delivered one of the most impactful early-year developments in recent UFC history.
From the renaming of the iconic Apex facility to Meta APEX, to confirming headline fights both in MMA and boxing, White has signaled a bold vision for the sport.
As fight cards continue to take shape and Meta’s technology becomes woven into the fan experience, 2026 is already looking like a defining year for the UFC.
Stay tuned — more announcements are sure to follow.