Josh Hokit has stepped in to defend the UFC over accusations that the Tale of the Tape videos seen at UFC Perth were generated by artificial intelligence, and his explanation is both straightforward and amusing.
The videos, which feature fighters holding poses for an extended period of time before fights, drew claims on social media that they were AI-generated. Hokit, who appeared in one of those videos ahead of his upcoming bout at the UFC White House event on June 14, set the record straight on X.
“It’s not AI. We really have to stand there like idiots for 30 seconds.”
The UFC has been under sustained criticism for its use of AI in marketing, a trend that accelerated following the start of its $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount. UFC CEO Dana White responded to earlier criticism by telling fans to shut up and watch the fights, while the promotion’s executive producer defended AI use as a tool to amplify content rather than replace it. The Tale of the Tape videos represent a newer format compared to the static images the UFC previously used in its pre-fight fighter breakdowns.
Hokit faces Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, a matchup that was reportedly put together at the personal request of Donald Trump and Joe Rogan.