IBM & UFC Deploy AI for Real-Time Fight Analytics—Because Even Octagons Need Algorithms Now
Big Blue throws its hat into the octagon—with Watson-powered fight analytics.
Subheader: The AI Corner Man
IBM's latest play isn't in blockchain or cloud—it's cage-side. Their new UFC partnership deploys real-time AI to dissect fighter stats mid-bout. Think Moneyball, but with more blood and corporate branding.
Subheader: Data Wins Championships
The system crunches strike accuracy, fatigue metrics, and—presumably—how many times Joe Rogan says 'that's insane.' All served up before the next round starts. Because nothing says 'technical knockout' like a 300ms latency SLA.
Subheader: The Cynical Take
Another 'groundbreaking' use of enterprise AI—just in time for UFC's rumored crypto sponsorship deal. Because if there's one thing fight fans love, it's explaining how blockchain actually works between rounds.
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Interestingly, the tool is built from over 13.2 million data points across 2,400+ UFC fighters over 20+ years, and aims to make the viewing experience more exciting and informative for all types of fans. The technology is part of the larger UFC Insights Engine, which was developed with IBM’s watsonx AI platform. While earlier versions focused only on pre- or post-fight stats, this new feature works live during matches for the first time since the IBM-UFC partnership began.
According to Alon Cohen, EVP of Innovation for TKO, this system is unique because it balances both depth and speed, which are two things that most AI tools struggle to deliver at the same time. Now, broadcasters can give fans immediate context as the fight unfolds, while pre-fight stats will still be available before each match. The new insights will appear directly in the broadcast feed and be stored in the UFC Insights Engine for future analysis. IBM’s Senior VP, Jonathan Adashek, said that this shows how AI is changing live sports by adding more emotion and storytelling to the action.
Is IBM a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on IBM stock based on seven Buys, five Holds, and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average IBM price target of $295.18 per share implies 0.7% downside risk.
