PFL Works with IBM to Boost the Processing of Real-Time Data
Flagship Group Solutions, an IBM vendor, and the Professional Fighters League (PFL) entered into an agreement to allow the League to use IBM Watson technologies to assess performance analytics in real time. A acceptance of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as a professional sport is the latest agreement between the League and the IBM's business partners.
IBM Smartcage Deep Learning
Under the terms of the contract, to boost data collection, IBM deep intelligence will be added to the PFL's fighter monitoring network, SmartCage. The app monitors the fighters' real-time measurements from sensors within the octagon, and shows them on-screen during live PFL broadcasts.
.@ProFightLeague will begin using @IBMWatson to measure real-time performance analytics through the league’s new partnership with Flagship Group Solutions. https://t.co/mpuSLvweuq
— SportTechie (@SportTechie) November 10, 2020
The tools known as Cagenomics, which are also posted on Fight Central, the League's OTT website, currently include punch speed and athlete monitoring, although the league plans to add kick speed and heart rate in 2021.
“…it provides a more immersive experience for fans while watching the fights. Two, it adds an element of context and storytelling. From an engagement standpoint, it’s absolutely driving conversation and engagement, the ability to truly see what the fighter is enduring, what the fighter is going through.”
Peter Murray, CEO, PFL
In addition to recognizing that MMA is a global sport, the League is now the fastest expanding sport in the world with more than 450 million fans worldwide, Murray further elaborated. Its sponsorship portfolio includes Anheuser-Busch, Geico, Rich Energy and Acronis, with a sports betting room agreement going down the pipeline before the end of the year, CEO Murray said, pointing out the need for the league to exploit its data and improve the gaming environment and prop bets.
PFL Looks For UFC Stand-Out
IBM's new technologies to Fight Central will help it see the OTT app go online, providing wider fan-fighting content worldwide. The PFL is seen as a year-round entertainment organization, not as a live event company, noted PFL CEO, hopes the League will develop into a media company to help the league differentiate itself from other MMA assets like the UFC.
“There’s no fun in creating a copycat product… This sport is yet to reach its peak, we’re playing a role growing it, and scaling the PFL league around the world. We’re leading with innovation because the sport is deserving of that, the athletes are deserving of that, and fans today in sport expect it.”
Peter Murray, CEO, PFL
The new contract with Flagship Community Solutions has made the League's attempts to add innovations at the core of its service a reality. Launched two years ago, the PFL aims to bring MMA creativity through its format which includes regular season fights, playoffs and championship fights.
