Have an account?
Log in to check out faster.
Welcome to the M2MMA Fight Blog
As May kicks off, the global combat sports calendar is packed tighter than a championship clinch. From UFC's return to the Midwest, to boxing under the lights of Times Square, to high-stakes brawls in Riyadh, Bangkok, and even Pretoria—this weekend has it all. Whether you're tuning in for titles, tracking rising stars, or just chasing pure adrenaline, this is your go-to fight fan guide.
Let’s break down what you need to know, who you need to watch, and why this weekend might just be one for the history books
Where/When: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines – Saturday 3 May (main card 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+/ESPN2)
More info: UFC.com
This is one of the most intriguing fights of the year at 135 lbs. Sandhagen’s unorthodox striking, constant movement, and evolving wrestling game make him a nightmare to prepare for. His five-round dismantling of Rob Font in 2023 showed a new level of maturity—patient, methodical, dominant.
Figueiredo, meanwhile, has been on a mission. After dominating flyweight and splitting a historic four-fight series with Brandon Moreno, he’s bulked up and brought his aggression to bantamweight. His debut win over Rob Font wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. He’s quicker than most bantams, has thunder in both hands, and can wrap up a neck from anywhere.
At stake? A potential shot at the winner of O’Malley vs Sterling later this year—or at the very least, an interim title opportunity.
This is a classic grappler’s duel with very real title implications. De Ridder is the former two-division ONE Championship kingpin known for latching onto opponents and never letting go. He’s crafty, relentless on the mat, and unafraid to pull guard if it gets the fight to the ground.
But Bo Nickal isn’t just any wrestler—he’s arguably the best pure wrestler in MMA. A three-time NCAA Division I champion, Nickal has blitzed every opponent in his UFC run, often finishing them in under two minutes. His striking is raw but improving, and his confidence is sky-high.
This fight may come down to who gets top control first—and what happens when they do. De Ridder needs to force scrambles and work submissions. Nickal wants to dominate position and finish with ground and pound.
A win for Nickal could see him leapfrog into a bout with someone like Marvin Vettori or Jared Cannonier. For De Ridder, it’s a chance to earn respect stateside and break into the UFC middleweight elite.
Bonus watch:Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Daniel Rodriguez – veteran grit meets relentless pressure in a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Where/When: Times Square, New York – Friday 2 May (main card 6 p.m. ET on DAZN PPV)
More info: DAZN.com
This fight is box-office chaos. Ryan Garcia is coming off a controversial PED suspension, but says he’s “more focused than ever” after getting clean and getting serious. Now fighting at 147 lbs, the real question is: will his speed and pop carry up a division?
Rolly Romero, the brash, awkward power-puncher, is treating this fight like personal redemption. After being embarrassed by Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, Rolly insists he’s “done playing nice.” With both fighters known for explosive, sometimes unpredictable styles, expect fireworks from the opening bell.
Garcia’s lightning-fast left hook is his trademark, but Rolly’s awkward rhythm and awkward angles can create chaos. Both men carry power. Both are flawed. And both absolutely need this win to remain relevant at the top.
Haney is the technician—razor-sharp jab, footwork, and ring IQ for days. Ramirez is the pressure fighter with the engine to make it ugly. This could end up being the most technically fascinating fight of the night. If Haney wins, he remains in the discussion for a massive Teofimo or Shakur fight.
Barboza is 30-0, but still flying under the radar. Lopez, ever volatile, is the former unified lightweight champion who insists he’s “back to his best.” This is a risky fight for Teofimo—and one that could steal the show.
Where/When: ANB Arena, Riyadh – Saturday 3 May (main card 9 p.m. BST / 11 p.m. ET on DAZN PPV)
More info: DAZN.com
Canelo Álvarez is back—and ready to remind the world he’s still king. After a quiet 2024, the Mexican superstar kicks off his four-fight Riyadh deal against an undefeated but largely unknown challenger in William Scull.
Scull, a Cuban-born fighter now based in Germany, has racked up a 23-0 record but has yet to face a true world-class opponent. That changes now. Stylistically, he’s long, rangy, and likes to box off the back foot—but can he keep Canelo off him for 12 rounds?
Canelo, who holds all four major belts at 168, has seen every style. His granite chin, thunderous body shots, and calm under pressure make him a nightmare matchup for anyone. This is less about defending a title and more about making a statement—especially as talk of a David Benavidez mega-fight looms in the background.
A dominant win keeps the legacy intact. A slip-up? It could shake boxing’s pound-for-pound hierarchy.
Where/When: Lumpinee Stadium, Bangkok – Friday 2 May (8 p.m. ICT, free on YouTube/Watch.ONE)
More info: ONEFC.com
ONE Friday Fights 106 continues to deliver the fast-paced, highlight-reel action that has made this series one of the most exciting in global Muay Thai. The setting alone—historic Lumpinee Stadium—adds prestige and pressure.
Panrit Lukjaomaesaiwaree vs Suksawat PK Saenchai
Panrit is a veteran known for his non-stop forward pressure, brutal elbows, and relentless pace. He’s already picked up several KO wins in this series and is knocking on the door for a main-roster ONE contract. Suksawat, repping the legendary PK Saenchai gym, brings technical finesse and elite timing. His ability to counter and turn opponents in the clinch makes him a threat even off the back foot.
This is a classic style clash: pressure vs precision, aggression vs art. It’s also a potential gateway bout—expect the winner to be fast-tracked to ONE Championship’s global cards.
Rustam Yunusov vs Alfie Ponting
Both of these teenage prospects are undefeated and have been wrecking experienced competition with advanced skills beyond their years. Rustam, hailing from Central Asia, brings compact boxing and an explosive right hand. Ponting, from the UK, is a switch-hitter with devastating low kicks and a slick step-in elbow.
This one has all the ingredients of a fan-favorite brawl—and could mark the rise of a new global Muay Thai star.
The full card includes 12 bouts, combining Muay Thai, MMA, and kickboxing—with fighters from Thailand, Europe, Russia, and beyond. Expect quick finishes, dramatic moments, and another showcase of why ONE’s weekly events are redefining how we experience live combat sports.
Before we dive into the weekend action, a quick look back at an electric night in Pretoria.
Where/When: Heartfelt Arena, Pretoria – Thursday 1 May
Promoter: Legacy Promotions
South African cruiserweight star Kevin Lerena successfully defended his WBC Interim Bridgerweight Title in front of a roaring home crowd, stopping rugged Ukranian challenger Serhiy Radchenko in the third round via TKO. Lerena looked sharp, controlling the pace with a disciplined jab and punishing body work before overwhelming Radchenko with a flurry that forced the towel to be thrown in.
“South Africa has waited a long time for nights like this,” Lerena said post-fight. “I want to bring the biggest belts back to this country. I’m ready for the big names.”
The atmosphere in Pretoria was electric—Legacy Promotions delivered a well-run card, solid undercard fights, and proved once again that South African boxing has world-class potential when given the spotlight. Keep your eye on local talent Leo Careri, who M2MMA spoke with last year. Careri delivered a dominant first-round TKO, showcasing poise, precision, and serious promise as he begins his pro journey.
GM and Head of Athlete Relations at M2MMA
May 1, 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming every facet of sports, from training and performance analytics to fan engagement and officiating. At M2MMA, AI-driven technology is at the heart of how we are revolutionizing Combat Sports. With Tiago Henriques , Head of AI/ML Technology Practice at Google Cloud and esteemed member of M2MMA's Advisory Board, speaking at tomorrow's pivotal panel discussion at /function1 in Dubai, now is an ideal moment to take a quick examination of how AI is currently reshaping the sports industry and powering a smarter, safer, more engaging future for athletes and fans alike.
Enhancing Athlete Performance
AI-driven technology is revolutionizing athlete training and performance monitoring. Companies like Catapult Sports and WHOOP are employing advanced data analytics tools powered by machine learning algorithms to predict injury risks, optimize training regimens, and analyze biomechanical data. For example, WHOOP’s wearable bands gather continuous physiological data that AI algorithms process to provide detailed insights into athletes' recovery, strain, and sleep patterns, enabling highly personalized performance plans. Catapult’s Vector 8 system delivers real-time, sport-specific data that empowers coaches to fine-tune athlete output and game-day strategy.
Injury Prevention and Health Management
One of AI’s most impactful contributions to sports is its potential to mitigate injury risks and safeguard athlete health. Tools like Kitman Labs utilize AI-driven predictive analytics to detect early signs of injuries, allowing coaches to proactively manage athlete workloads and minimize downtime. The NFL has notably adopted AI-powered diagnostic tools to rapidly identify potential concussions. Using advanced helmet sensors and computer vision technology, these tools analyze real-time collision data to evaluate impacts. AI algorithms then identify players at risk, enabling immediate medical intervention, thereby significantly enhancing player safety and reducing the long-term risks associated with traumatic brain injuries.
AI-Assisted Judging and Fairness
In combat sports like MMA and boxing, controversies surrounding judging decisions have historically plagued the integrity of the sport. Increasingly, AI is being explored as a solution to these challenges. Notably, during the recent Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight, an AI judging system ran in the background to evaluate the bout alongside the official judges. Though not used for the final verdict, this technology showcased how AI can provide transparent, data-driven scoring in high-stakes events.
One emerging platform in this space is JabbrAI, which uses real-time data inputs and machine learning algorithms to deliver detailed statistical metrics for coaching and fighter development. While its primary focus is not judging or scoring, the insights it provides are invaluable for analyzing performance trends, refining strategy, and supporting data-driven decision-making in training environments. Similarly, advanced computer vision technology like Hawk-Eye has already transformed officiating in tennis and cricket by tracking ball trajectories to assist referees and umpires, dramatically improving decision accuracy and fairness.
Fan Engagement and Experience
AI isn't just behind-the-scenes—it's transforming how fans experience sports. Platforms like IBM’s Watson are enhancing fan experiences by providing AI-generated highlights during major sports events such as Wimbledon and the US Open, delivering personalized content tailored to individual fan preferences and real-time analytics that bring fans closer to the action.
The UFC has also partnered with IBM Watson to explore how generative AI can enhance content creation, fan interaction, and data visualization, offering new ways to consume and understand combat sports. In addition, UFC recently partnered with Meta, integrating immersive experiences through virtual reality to bring fans even closer to the octagon.
The NBA has also embraced AI in innovative ways. Through its NB-AI initiative unveiled at the All-Star weekend, the league introduced an AI-powered assistant designed to personalize game viewing experiences with real-time stats, highlight creation, and interactive content. Additionally, its partnership with Microsoft Azure enhances the NBA App by delivering AI-generated insights and contextual game information. Collaborating with WSC Sports, the NBA also uses generative AI to automate multilingual highlight packages—broadening its global reach and deepening engagement with diverse audiences.
Tomorrow's Panel and the Future of AI in Sports
Tiago Henriques' expertise at the intersection of AI and practical applications positions him uniquely to provide insights into how collaborative ecosystems can amplify AI's transformative effects within sports. His influential role at Google Cloud and frequent participation in global panels and discussions with leading AI experts further enhance his capability to deliver valuable insights to M2MMA. By engaging directly with other global leaders in AI, Tiago is perfectly positioned to help M2MMA effectively harness and integrate cutting-edge AI technologies, maximizing their impact and ethical deployment in sports.
Final Thoughts
M2MMA’s AI-driven strategy is uniquely focused on tackling some of the most urgent challenges in combat sports: the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), holistic athlete well-being, and the evolution of fan engagement. By investing in technologies that enable real-time health diagnostics, transparent judging systems, and immersive audience experiences, M2MMA aims to create a new standard in athlete care and viewer interaction. Through collaboration with leading experts like Tiago Henriques, M2MMA continues to drive the development of ethical and impactful AI applications tailored specifically to the needs of modern combat sports.
As Tiago Henriques and other industry leaders prepare to discuss the critical dynamics of agentic AI ecosystems tomorrow, sports organizations worldwide are paying close attention. The integration of advanced AI technologies promises to elevate athletic performance, improve fairness and transparency, enhance fan experiences, and prioritize athlete safety, the core principles upon which M2MMA was founded. Truly, the future of sports is not just human, it is intelligently augmented.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore AI's ongoing and future impacts in sports, and be sure not to miss Tiago Henriques’ insights at the /function1 panel event tomorrow in Dubai.
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
