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As the UFC returns to Mexico City on March 29, 2025, fans are set for an electrifying night at Arena CDMX. This event not only showcases top-tier talent but also highlights the UFC's ongoing commitment to the passionate Mexican MMA community.
Mexico City's altitude—over 7,300 feet above sea level—adds an additional layer of intrigue to this card. Fighters will need to adjust their conditioning to avoid gassing out early, particularly those not acclimated to the elevation. Historically, this has played a factor in past Mexico City events, where pace and cardio have often dictated the outcome of fights.
In the headline bout, Brandon "The Assassin Baby" Moreno (22-8-2) faces Australia's Steve "Astro Boy" Erceg (12-3). Moreno, hailing from Tijuana, is a two-time UFC Flyweight Champion known for his resilience and well-rounded skill set. His recent victory over Amir Albazi in November 2024 showcased his striking evolution and ground control. Fighting on home soil, Moreno aims to leverage the fervent support of the Mexican crowd to propel himself back into title contention.
Erceg, a former Eternal MMA Flyweight Champion, has demonstrated technical striking and grappling prowess. Despite recent setbacks, including two consecutive losses, Erceg remains a formidable opponent seeking redemption. A victory over a former champion like Moreno could significantly elevate his standing in the division.
Mexico City has been a significant location for the UFC, hosting several memorable events:
The UFC's return in 2025 continues this tradition, highlighting the region's growing influence in the sport.
Fans are encouraged to check local listings for exact broadcast times and channels.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragic earthquake that struck Myanmar earlier today. The tremors were felt throughout the region, including in Bangkok, where ONE Championship was set to host Friday Fights 102 at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium on March 28, 2025.
In light of the disaster, ONE Championship has made the responsible and respectful decision to cancel the event. While fans around the world were looking forward to the featured Muay Thai main event between Rambong Sor.Therapat and Pompet Panthonggym, the safety of athletes, staff, and the community remains the top priority.
We join the global martial arts community in offering our deepest condolences to the victims and their families, and we stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and Thailand during this difficult time.
Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan II (Women’s Welterweight)
William Zepeda vs. Tevin Farmer II (Lightweight)
Two key rematches take center stage this weekend in the boxing world
March 25, 2025
By Chris Cannon, M2MMA General Manager
The transition from professional sports to entrepreneurship and business is a fascinating and deeply personal journey. Having spent 15 years as a professional golfer before stepping into my current role as General Manager of M2MMA, I understand firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities athletes face during this significant transition. In my recent article commemorating the legendary George Foreman, I highlighted how he successfully transformed his competitive spirit from the boxing ring into a flourishing business empire. Foreman’s inspiring journey demonstrates how elite athletes' discipline, strategic mindset, and resilience naturally translate into business success.
Initially, I felt apprehensive about leaving competitive sports due to my love of competition. However, when I entered the business world with M2MMA, I quickly discovered it provided many of the same exhilarating challenges and rewarding experiences as professional sports. Like athletic competition, the business world demands continual self-improvement, strategic decision-making, adaptability, and effective teamwork. Working in an innovative startup revolutionizing an industry like M2MMA requires resilience, overcoming obstacles, managing pressure, and collaboration, qualities I had cultivated throughout my sports career. These parallels significantly eased my transition and allowed me to channel my competitive energy into my new career path and I haven't looked back since.
Aside from George Foreman, other inspirational and remarkable examples of athletes successfully transitioning into business include Michael Jordan. Jordan's iconic basketball career was merely the prelude to his equally impressive entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly through Nike’s Jordan Brand, significantly influencing the global sports apparel and marketing industries. One of the most pivotal decisions of Jordan’s business career came early, when he chose to partner with Nike in 1984 rather than take a safer, more conventional endorsement deal. At the time, Nike was far from the powerhouse it is today. Jordan’s insistence on having a revenue-sharing agreement and a stake in the brand led to the creation of the Air Jordan line, a risk that would become a defining moment in both sports marketing and business history. In 2023 alone, the Jordan Brand generated over $5 billion in revenue for Nike. His decision to secure equity instead of just upfront money laid the foundation for his status as one of the wealthiest athletes in history. Jordan’s strategic vision, belief in his own brand, and long-term thinking transformed not only his own financial future but also how athletes approach endorsements and ownership opportunities.
Mathieu Flamini provides another inspiring example of athletes succeeding in entirely new industries post-retirement. Although never considered a global superstar, Flamini enjoyed a commendable professional soccer career with prestigious clubs such as Arsenal, AC Milan, and Crystal Palace. Known for his tactical discipline and determination on the field, Flamini effectively transitioned these qualities into his business pursuits. After retiring, he co-founded @GF Biochemicals, a pioneering enterprise in sustainable chemistry, producing levulinic acid for diverse sectors including cosmetics, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Flamini’s dedication to environmental sustainability has made him a leading figure in green innovation, resulting in an estimated net worth of approximately $10 billion.
Mikey Taylor, a former professional skateboarder, has adeptly transitioned into a multifaceted entrepreneur, financial educator, and public servant. During his skateboarding career, Taylor secured sponsorships from major brands like DC Shoes and GoPro, achieving notable success in the sport. Anticipating the finite nature of athletic careers, he began investing in real estate, guided by financial advisor Randal Sanada. This foresight led him to co-found Saint Archer Brewing Company in 2012, which was sold to MillerCoors in 2015 for a reported $35 million. Following this success, Taylor established Commune Capital, a private equity real estate investment firm managing over $200 million in assets, focusing on multifamily and self-storage properties. Beyond his business ventures, Taylor is dedicated to enhancing financial literacy, particularly among athletes, sharing insights on investment strategies and wealth preservation. Expanding his commitment to community development, he entered politics and currently serves as the Mayor Pro Tem of Thousand Oaks, California. Taylor's journey exemplifies how athletes can leverage their discipline and strategic thinking into successful and impactful post-sports careers.
Jennifer Sey offers yet another compelling example, having transitioned effectively from gymnastics champion to corporate executive. Utilizing her leadership abilities and strategic insights gained through sports, Sey rapidly ascended the corporate ranks, eventually serving as Chief Marketing Officer and Brand President at Levi Strauss & Co. Later, she founded XX-XY Athletics, her own sportswear company, showcasing how professional athletes' discipline, focus, and resilience can drive business success.
Combat sports, in particular, offer a unique lens on athlete entrepreneurship, given the individualistic nature of the sport and the often limited time of a fighter's career. Many have leveraged their fame to pivot into new ventures with great success. @Oscar De La Hoya, for instance, transitioned from being a world champion boxer to founding Golden Boy Promotions, one of the most successful boxing promotion companies in the world. His deep understanding of the sport and sharp business acumen allowed him to build a lasting brand that supports fighters long after his own career ended. Others, like McGregor, have focused more on investing in and developing lifestyle brands and commercial products. These different approaches underscore the diverse paths available within the combat sports world, where athletes are increasingly taking ownership of their post-fight futures and shaping their own business legacies.
However, alongside these success stories, many athletes encounter significant challenges after retiring from professional sports. Financial difficulties, loss of identity, and adapting to life without structured athletic routines are common issues. Studies indicate that a substantial number of athletes face financial hardship shortly after retirement, underscoring the importance of proactive financial management, wealth preservation education, and structured career-transition programs.
At M2MMA, our mission directly addresses these challenges by providing athletes with essential resources, strategic support, and clear pathways to thriving post-athletic careers. We recognize that qualities such as discipline, adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking are not just beneficial but essential for sustained business success.
As the sports landscape continues to evolve, prioritizing career longevity, financial literacy, entrepreneurial education, and strategic networking is increasingly vital. At M2MMA, we remain passionately committed to supporting athletes through their career transitions, inspired by trailblazers like Foreman, Jordan, Flamini, Taylor, Sey, and hopefully, one day, even Cannon!
March 26, 2025
By Chris Cannon, General Manager of M2MMA
For as long as sport has existed, athletes have been celebrated for their bravery, skill, and sacrifice in the heat of competition. We cheer them in the cage, on the pitch, and under the lights, often forgetting that their time at the top is fleeting. What comes after the final bell, the last fight, the career-ending injury, is a chapter that too many athletes enter unprepared. While athletes such as George Foreman and Michael Jordan excelled in their post athletic careers as I discussed in previous articles, the reality is, these men are the 1% and the vast majority face great financial uncertainty and struggles.
But the truth is, many athletes aren’t just struggling after their careers, they’re struggling during them. Financial insecurity, psychological stress, and lack of long-term planning often coexist while athletes are still actively competing. For the vast majority, the pursuit of excellence in sport is also a battle for basic stability.
That’s why building better support systems isn’t just about helping athletes transition, it’s about helping them sustain their dream and maximize their potential in the first place.
Elite athletes often begin training from childhood, sacrificing education, social development, and financial security in pursuit of greatness. By the time they hit their professional stride, many are already deep into their 20s or 30s, with limited exposure to life outside of sport.
And contrary to public perception, most are not wealthy. The majority aren’t making millions, they’re grinding for modest fight purses, small contracts, or inconsistent event by event income. They are trying to build a career in a system that often provides no healthcare, no retirement, no guarantees.
I know this struggle firsthand, because I lived it. Before M2MMA, I spent 15 years chasing the dream in professional golf. I travelled over 30 countries on 9 different golf tours in pursuit of my dream to be the best, but I never quite played well enough to acquire any kind of financial stability and it often felt like an eternal financial struggle. I poured everything into the sport, time, money, energy, identity, and in the end, I walked away not with savings, but with debt. I know I'm not alone and my story mirrors what so many athletes experience.
There’s a popular myth that all pro athletes are financially secure and living a glamorous lifestyle because that's what we see in the media. I often thought to myself while watching the Netflix docuseries 'Full Swing' following the PGA Tour elite, how interesting it would be to do a series following the mini tours in golf and give the wider public a real insight into the lives of most professional golfers. The reality is that the vast majority of professional athletes are struggling financially both during and post their athletic careers. A widely cited Sports Illustrated report found that nearly 80% of NFL players face bankruptcy or severe financial stress within two years of retirement. In the NBA, it’s 60% within five.
In combat sports, the financial cliff comes even earlier. Many athletes enter professional circuits with the hope of making it big, only to find themselves living paycheck to paycheck, paying out training expenses, travel, medical bills, and management fees just to keep the dream alive. Athletes in individual sports often rely on sponsors to pay their expenses, but picking up a sponsor at the development levels when no one is watching is almost an impossible task. A vicious circle ensues where athletes can't afford to invest in their training and development without a sponsor, but no one wants to sponsor an athlete who is not yet garnering strong media exposure to provide value to the sponsorship.
The nature of individual sports is that yes, there may be good days, weeks, months and even years where the money can roll in quick. However, a six-figure fight purse for example can vanish quickly once the expenses are deducted and the next camp is to be paid for, and the reality is in combat sports specifically, most athletes don’t see six figures.
That’s why the conversation around athlete support must also include financial training. As an athlete builds their skills, body, and mind they must also strengthen their financial education as the fact is the vast majority of athletes are under financial pressure even during the height of their careers. They aren’t training in luxury, they’re working side jobs, living with uncertainty, and sacrificing long-term health and security for short-term opportunity. Supporting them in this phase, through financial planning, income diversification, mental health support, and structured career development, isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. And it pays off now, not just later. When an athlete isn’t worried about paying rent, they can invest in their training and become a better athlete and make more money.
At M2MMA, we’re embedding financial literacy as a part of our athlete support structures. Whether an athlete wants to build a business or just avoid a bad deal, this knowledge is power. Most athletes don’t have access to people outside their sport. They don’t know investors, tech founders, or business mentors. We believe they should, so we are developing partnerships across finance, biotech, health tech, media, and business to expose M2MMA athletes to what’s possible beyond the arena while they’re still fighting.
We’re also exploring athlete ownership structures, revenue participation models, and long-term equity plans at M2MMA. Cryptocurrency is a great opportunity to explore such models to create more diverse financial opportunities for our athletes.
M2Assist, our in-house performance and wellbeing app we are building for M2MMA athletes, plays a major role in facilitating athlete financial support and education programs. It’s not just a mental health and performance tool or a budgeting calculator, it’s a digital corner team that supports athletes holistically.
In the arena, M2Assist helps optimize performance with a personalized AI psychologist as well as providing tools such as breathwork routines, visualization training, and recovery tracking. But outside the arena, it goes further. Athletes can access mental health support along with financial planning tools, budgeting modules tailored to fluctuating income, investment literacy resources, mental health self-check-ins, crisis counseling access, and career mentorship pairing.
It’s all about proactive empowerment, not reactive rescue. M2Assist exists so athletes can maximize every ounce of their potential, inside the arena and out.
At M2MMA, we believe in building not just great events or highlight reels, but great lives for our athletes. That means creating a culture where fighting for your future is just as important as fighting for a belt.
I’m passionate about this not just as a promoter, but as someone who lived the athlete struggle personally. I know what it’s like to bet everything on sport and come up short in a few ways. That experience fuels everything we do at M2MMA and we want to support our athletes to be the best they can be both during their fighting career and whatever comes next. With M2Assist, we'll always be in their corner.
If you are an individual or organization who is passionate about athlete development and believe in the importance of financial literacy in sport, we’d love to hear from you. We are actively looking for partners to collaborate on the growth and delivery of our financial education programs so please reach out to me via email - chris@m2mma.com
GM and Head of Athlete Relations at M2MMA
March 28, 2025
The IBF has now confirmed it will order Daniel Dubois to defend his heavyweight world title against Derek Chisora. Dubois fresh off a career-defining performance against Anthony Joshua has been vocal about wanting a rematch and unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk. Meanwhile Usyk has been ordered by the WBO to fight Joseph Parker. So here we are once again boxing clouded in confusion with sanctioning bodies singing from different hymn sheets and the fighters, promoters, managers and fans left in no mans land.
It is exactly this kind of confusion that continues to undermine the sport. The fact that even the sanctioning bodies themselves cannot agree on what takes priority says everything. Is it a mandatory defense or a unification bout. No one seems to know. And so the most obvious and meaningful fight in the heavyweight division Usyk versus Dubois for undisputed is left dangling in uncertainty. The fighters want it. The fans want it. The commercial world wants it. Yet the system built to manage the sport seems determined to block its own biggest moments.
Now it must be stated, the undisputed fight may still happen. But the fact that it is even in doubt speaks volumes. One has to wonder whether these conflicting announcements from the sanctioning bodies are less about protocol and more about posturing. A way to gain leverage in negotiations influence bargaining positions or assert control over promotional dynamics. In the end it creates an environment where the biggest fights feel uncertain until the opening bell. And that is a problem not just for the sport’s credibility but for everyone trying to build with it.
Boxing is the only major global sport that continues to operate under four separate sanctioning bodies each with their own champions their own mandatory challengers and their own commercial interests. At any given moment the sport can present four different world champions in the same weight class. All claiming legitimacy all creating confusion.
What is happening now in the heavyweight division should be the crown jewel of boxing’s calendar. Instead it is a mess. Dubois is being pulled one way by the IBF. Usyk is being pulled another by the WBO. And there is no single force in the sport powerful enough to bring them together even when it is the obvious necessary and commercially viable outcome.
This chaos is not just bad for fighters and fans. It presents a real headache for promoters managers and commercial stakeholders.
How do you secure a sponsorship deal when you cannot confirm who your fighter will be facing or even when. How do broadcasters commit to a rights package when the title picture changes week to week based on conflicting rulings from different bodies. How do managers map out multi fight career plans for their athletes when one governing body’s mandate can completely derail negotiations.
As Eddie Hearn said in an interview with the BBC "Boxing is a mess – a beautiful mess – but a mess. It’s so frustrating and it’s so difficult to navigate." That sentiment perfectly encapsulates the maddening nature of trying to operate in a sport where uncertainty reigns and logic is often trumped by politics.
Boxing’s structure makes long term planning nearly impossible. Commercial confidence suffers. Rights negotiations stall. Sponsorships become more about gambling on outcomes than investing in narratives. The fighters lose leverage. The promoters lose clarity. And the sport loses momentum.
All of this is happening in a landscape where the competition is evolving fast. MMA organisations like the UFC and ONE operate with single titles per division unified ranking systems and centralised matchmaking. Dana White’s looming boxing promotion in partnership with Turki Alalshikh is explicitly designed to cut through this very noise. Turki Alalshikh’s rise in the Saudi fight scene is based on overriding outdated promotional silos to deliver unified global events.
Boxing and the major sanctioning bodies have great history indeed. But the question must now be raised about how and if the proposed new boxing league being shaped by Dana White and Turki Alalshikh will continue to accommodate the existing sanctioning bodies and their belt systems. Or will it do what boxing has failed to do for decades and finally create a unified centralised structure that forgoes the sanctioning bodies altogether. If it is the latter then we could be looking at the most significant reset in modern boxing history.
But even that will not be easy. The existing sanctioning bodies the IBF WBO WBA and WBC have embedded themselves deeply into the commercial and political machinery of the sport. Any attempt to override them will provoke resistance. Promoters rely on their titles for marketability. Networks sell world championship broadcasts. Fighters build careers around these belts even if the belts themselves are often stripped swapped or politically reassigned. And yet perhaps these organizations are now overestimating their own importance clinging to legacy and leverage in a sport where fans are increasingly demanding simplicity. What the audience truly wants is clarity structure and the best fighting the best. Confusion over belts and mandates does not add intrigue. It drives people away.
So will this new league attempt to work alongside the existing system or dismantle it entirely. And if it does try to break free will fighters and promoters follow. Just as importantly will the sanctioning bodies themselves be willing to work together to evolve adapt and find a way to align with the ambitions of a unified modern league. Or are we about to witness yet more political wrangling and power plays that could force the new league to walk away from sanctioning bodies altogether.
This feels like a defining moment not just for the new league but for the sanctioning bodies too. It is a crossroads for boxing as a whole. Because if compromise is not reached and if legacy institutions cannot see past their own power structures the sport may finally split further.
That is exactly why M2MMA has committed to doing things differently. Our vision is built on unified structure transparency and logic. A system where the best fight the best and the commercial framework supports rather than obstructs progress. But more importantly our model puts athletes and fans first. We believe in building careers not just events. In empowering fighters with clarity and opportunity and giving fans a sport they can follow without confusion. As the boxing world stands on the edge of change M2MMA is already charting that path forward. Offering a blueprint for a sport that does not just survive the next era but leads it with purpose and integrity.
About M2MMA: M2MMA is a revolutionary combat sports promotion that transforms the industry through cutting-edge innovation, advanced technology, and a steadfast commitment to athlete welfare. By integrating artificial intelligence, data-driven insights, and forward-thinking strategies, M2MMA enhances athlete safety, optimizes performance, and redefines the fan experience. Focusing on community engagement and fostering a dynamic future for combat sports, M2MMA stands at the intersection of technology and tradition, driving progress while honoring the sport's rich heritage.
The company is publicly traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) of NASDAQ under the ticker symbol "RLAB."
RLAB/M2MMA is majority controlled by M2Bio Sciences, which is also publicly traded on the Over-the-Counter market under the ticker symbol (OTC Pink: MRES)
GENERAL MANAGER OF M2MMA
