This Tech is MMA's Future

New week, New newsletter. Bringing you the latest and most interesting in the sports tech world, never miss a story with The Sports Road. Today is all about how tech is making the best athlete possible… Enjoy!

MMA’s Game Changing Tech
F1: Big Tech Deals
Ticketing Has Never Been Easier
AI: Making Life Easier

Let's get into it!

This weekend was a big one for MMA…

From Demetrious Johnson cementing his place as one of the sports GOAT’s, to Aljamain Sterling silencing all the doubters, the weekend's fights showed us what it means to be great.

And that’s the thing; with skill-levels skyrocketing to never before seen levels, it feels as though to separate themselves, elite fighters really have to hit another gear.

Don’t believe us? See for yourself

“That’s why the fighters are better. It’s not because they are a better person. They’re the same. They just have access easier, and more knowledge.”

Georges St-Pierre

Well, that trend doesn’t look like it’s stopping anytime soon.

With technology being at the forefront of fighter improvement, you best believe AI wants a piece of it, and that is EXACTLY what’s happening…

Bringing real-time AI-based live data, Combat IQ is making a surge to change the combat world forever.

If you remember us talking about Jabbr’s Boxing AI, this may look pretty similar.

The difference? A couple things. Aiming to help fighters improve performance and offer more information to betters, the system isn’t heavily revolved around cultivating better judging decisions. More importantly, Combat IQ’s advanced AI is being prepared to work on all combat sports.

From Sumo Wrestling, to Judo, to MMA, this AI is planning to take over.

“There’s very little live data available at the moment – MMA is the eighth most popular sport in the world, and we’re the only ones providing stats for it.”

Tim Malik, CEO at Combat IQ

Already working with companies such as Padel and Pickleball, the technology’s use could eventually extend to many other sports…

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With Verstappen winning yet another Grand Prix, this weekend saw some big results in the F1...

But that’s not what we’re talking about today. Let us explain…

Seeing tech as a way to enhance relationships within teams and with fans, in anticipation for the big event, F1 and its teams were not messing about.

Striking a technical partnership with DXC Technology, Ferrari is looking to get an edge over competitors.

This is what we know so far:

Signing a multiyear deal, DXC will provide Ferrari with the newest innovations in Human Machine Interfaces (HMI). This, in theory, should allow for easier communication between drivers and the rest of the team.
As a result of the partnership, Ferrari will be able to include long-term software strategy in cars produced from 2024 onwards.
DXC branding will – and has already – appeared on Ferrari driver suits, cars, helmets, and more.

The F1 hasn’t stopped there, though.

Wanting to revolutionise the way that fans interact with the product, the Motorsport giants have enlisted the help of Verizon.

Using Verizon’s help to implement a private managed wireless solution, the F1 could streamline processes such as ticket scanning, digital sign management, and upload speeds.

Allowing easier online communications for both fans and teams, F1 continued their elite-level use of media.

“With private networks, venue operators are improving existing operations, allowing fans to quickly get into the venue, purchase merchandise, and get to their seats… In a sport like racing, no one wants to miss a second of the action, and fans will not only benefit from the private network.”

Kyle Malady, CEO of Verizon

Look, for a while now, the state of ticketing has been – how do we put this – weird 😅.

With fraudulent tickets being distributed at a more rapid pace than ever, the simple process of buying a ticket to go see your favourite sports teams is beginning to get complicated…

I mean, just look at the Champions League Final! No sports fan should have to go through something like that.

Putting a spotlight on the topic, more and more are beginning to call for a wide-scale use of digitalisation in the industry.

Well, it looks like they're getting what they asked for.

Yep, in a move that could have major ramifications on the sports world, Sports Illustrated have announced the launch of Box Office.

In partnership with major software firm, ConsenSys, the company is looking to become the first NFT ticket service.

Powered using Polygon’s blockchain technology, Box Office is looking to ease customers' experiences when buying tickets.

This is what we know so far:

Within the system, fans will be able to buy a ‘Super Ticket’. This promises fans access to video highlights, loyalty benefits, and unique offers.
Using the system, Sports Illustrated are looking to use the unique opportunity as a link to engage fans with broader sports media.

“Blockchain technology offers significant benefits for consumers, particularly ticketing, including enhancing payment security, and eliminating scalping and fraud.”

Brian Trunzo, Head of Business Development for Polygon Labs

Look, here at The Sports Road – despite not being around that long – we pride ourselves on covering A LOT of bases when it comes to sport. With that, it’s pretty rare that we write about a sport we haven’t touched upon yet. You know what I’m thinking… Exciting times.

Yep, Triathlon fans, here we go!

Renewing their partnership with AI specialists, Humango, Super League Triathlon are committed to producing the best athletes possible.

Hell-bent on revolutionsing training in order to maximise performance, Humango are using their groundbreaking AI technology to change the game.

Primarily used to maximise training and recovery, the AI analyses activity and health data in unison to get a better idea of an athlete's long-term potential.

With athletes and coaches being heavily involved in the company’s creation, Humango’s main aim is to allow athletes to solely focus on performing to the best of their ability.

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Humango. Super League Triathlon is driven by the desire to raise standards and performance in the sport through world leading racing and technology so Humango is a perfect synergy for us. It is very exciting to partner with such an innovative company and I am very much looking forward to the work we will do together to empower more athletes than ever to reach their potential.”

Matt Caren, Commercial Director at Super League Triathlon