UFC Teams Up with IBM to Launch Revolutionary AI-Powered In-Fight Insights
IBM and the UFC have unveiled a cutting-edge platform designed to enhance live MMA broadcasts. Titled “In-Fight Insights,” this AI-driven tool will provide real-time updates on significant milestones, streaks, and records as they occur during UFC events. The premiere is set for November 15, 2025, at UFC 322, featuring Della Maddalena versus Makhachev at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Revolutionizing Live Sports Experience
In partnership with IBM, the UFC aims to enrich the viewing experience for fans, whether they are die-hard enthusiasts or casual observers. The In-Fight Insights system utilizes over 13.2 million data points drawn from more than 2400 current and former UFC fighters spanning 20+ years of history. This innovation marks the next step in their collaboration that began in November 2024.
Key Features of In-Fight Insights
- Delivering real-time information on fight milestones and records.
- Provides broadcasters with immediate context for enhanced viewer engagement.
- Integrates seamlessly into live broadcasts, offering new statistics as fights unfold.
- Stores data for future analysis and archival purposes.
According to Alon Cohen, Executive Vice President of Innovation for TKO, the In-Fight Insights capabilities represent significant progress in the UFC Insights Engine built with IBM watsonx. This system is designed to deliver swift, actionable insights to fans, presenting them with never-before-seen levels of information during matches.
Continued Growth for UFC and IBM Collaboration
The partnership seeks to build a comprehensive UFC Insights Engine, which will not only elevate live broadcasts but also enhance pre-event programming and social media engagement. This aligns with UFC’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to provide a more personalized experience for millions of fans worldwide.
About UFC and IBM
The UFC is a dominant force in mixed martial arts, boasting over 700 million fans globally and around 318 million social media followers. The organization conducts over 40 live events each year across prestigious venues and reaches more than 950 million households in over 210 countries. Its athlete roster features elite fighters representing over 75 nationalities.
IBM stands at the forefront of AI and cloud computing, helping businesses worldwide harness their data effectively. The company’s services span numerous sectors, including finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, enabling rapid digital transformation across various industries.
The introduction of In-Fight Insights promises to significantly elevate the live sports viewing experience, showcasing how technology is reshaping the landscape of mixed martial arts.
