Ari Emanuel seems to have grown tired of boxers sweating (and bleeding) it out in the ring. In an intriguing revelation, the CEO of TKO Group Holdings, which oversees the UFC and WWE, has expressed interest in hosting fights featuring not humans but Elon Musk‘s Optimus humanoid robots. The idea struck Emanuel upon witnessing the spectacular progress of Musk’s Optimus robots, specifically their advanced hand movements.
UFC CEO Ari Emanuel wants to host fights with Elon Musk’s humanoid robots
UFC CEO Ari Emanuel seems significantly invested in the concept of humanoid robots fighting in the UFC Octagon. Emanuel proposed the idea during his recent appearance at the “Invest Like the Best with Patrick O’Shaughnessy” podcast while discussing the future of live events. He firmly believes that robot fights could be the next big thing in live events, drawing massive audiences worldwide.
Speaking about his equation with Elon Musk, the business mogul said, “I believe in Elon Musk.” Emanuel said that he has been a first-hand witness to the progress of Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot, particularly its hand movements.
That is when the idea of humanoid robot fights struck him, and he went directly to Musk, saying, “I want to do UFC fights with the robots”. Musk, too, entertained the idea and showed the UFC CEO some robots capable of throwing punches and kicks.
In the podcast, Emanuel floated the idea, suggesting a potential fight between Chinese and American robots. Podcast host and investor O’Shaughnessy agreed that the match could draw a massive global audience. A true visionary, Emanuel believes that live events, such as robot fights, will soon gain popularity as people seek authentic experiences in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Emanuel thinks that AI’s further growth and dependence will lead to shorter workweeks. As a result, people will have more leisure time. The business tycoon believes this will spark increased demand for live experiences, such as sports, music, and art, and his company, MARI, aims to capitalize on this trend.
