Your Ultimate Guide to This Weekend’s Biggest Fights

This weekend, combat sports enthusiasts are in for a treat with a lineup of high-stakes events across the globe.

Former opponents and MMA legends are split in their predictions. Israel Adesanya, a former rival, has publicly backed Pereira, believing the champion's evolving wrestling and brutal leg kicks will carry him to a knockout victory. Meanwhile, former champion Jamahal Hill favors Ankalaev’s patient counter-striking and robust grappling, predicting this could lead to an upset.

Adding fuel to the fire, heavyweight champion Jon Jones has hinted at interest in a superfight with Pereira should the Brazilian successfully defend his title, magnifying the significance of this bout.

However, concerns linger about Pereira's recent travel and public appearances in Australia shortly before fight week. UFC legend Daniel Cormier has questioned Pereira’s readiness and whether his extracurricular commitments could negatively impact his performance against a disciplined and motivated Ankalaev.

Ankalaev enters with momentum, boasting a 13-fight unbeaten streak, seeking redemption and validation after falling short in his first attempt at UFC gold.

UFC 313 presents a dynamic clash with significant implications for both fighters' legacies and the future landscape of the division. Fans can anticipate a dramatic contest, showcasing not only raw talent but the strategic depth at the elite levels of mixed martial arts.

March 4, 2025

By Chris Cannon, General Manager of M2MMA

I have watched countless bouts in my time as a Combat Sports fan of nearly 30 years and I’ve seen how controversial decisions can overshadow great fights and change the course of careers. The recent world title boxing fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. brought the issue of judging and indeed refereeing into the spotlight once again. The underdog Roach Jr. put in a world class performance against the champion Davis, only to see the scorecards produce a majority draw, a verdict that sparked heated debate among fans and pundits alike. The focus was on Davis taking a knee and the referee not taking a point, but that debate aside, for the judges to score a majority draw was still a result that once again left many questions to be asked.

When I think back on past controversies like Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley in 2012, a fight I remember watching in a bar in Manhattan and being left in disbelief as the result was read out in Bradley's favor. Timothy Bradley wins split decision. Boxing is not alone in this issue as MMA and many other Combat Sports fights result in highly debatable decisions on what feels like a weekly basis. I see a pattern that demands a better solution. Human judges often face a daunting task, trying to assess clean strikes, strike quality, effective aggression, and ring/cage control in real time while blocking out crowd noise, corner noise, potential personal biases and not to mention outside influences that may be at play. As a result, subjective decisions can leave fans, and promoters feeling shortchanged. Most importantly though, a fighter's career can be dramatically affected.

At M2MMA, we believe a data-driven approach could help address the issue of improving the quality of judging in combat sports via the use of AI-based technologies. Wearable sensors, high-speed cameras, and advanced machine learning algorithms can track the kind of detailed metrics that humans might miss. These technologies allow us to evaluate impact force, accuracy, fighter positioning, and much more, all in real time providing objective based scoring systems to determine who wins a fight.

Critics sometimes argue that AI cannot register certain intangible factors that only an experienced fighter or judge may pick up. This concern is valid. However, watching fighters lose in controversial fashion reinforces why we must continue exploring new methods to improve judging credibility. Challenges are a part of life. It’s up to us to develop a solution. On this issue in particular, working with experienced fighters and some of the best gyms in the world to train such nuances into machine learning models is a vital part of this technology development. Fighters and Coaches are the very foundation of the sport and at M2MMA we believe they should play an instrumental role in future technology innovation.

Ultimately though integrating AI judging into Sport is a process. Boxing has already incorporated an AI judge running in the background of the title fight between Usyk and Fury this year. The AI judge did not have any say on the result of the fight but nevertheless it was an important introduction to the idea. How the AI judge scored Usyk vs Fury 2. Initially I see AI-assisted judging as a resource rather than a replacement. Human oversight will remain vital to interpret context and handle unexpected nuances. However as the technology develops I do envision a future where AI judging can enhance scoring and accountability, just as instant replay has benefited other sports and perhaps one day the AI Judge will be solely responsible for delivering the result of a fight.

Disputed outcomes are nothing new to boxing or mixed martial arts. Yet every polarizing result, especially on a stage where the best athletes compete, underscores the value of additional tools that offer clarity. If data-backed insights can shed light on who truly won a contest, or at least provide a second opinion in controversial bouts, then I believe we owe it to the fighters and fans alike to give them the best decision available.

Looking ahead, if these technologies succeed in reducing controversies, we might see them adopted beyond Combat Sports. Sports like gymnastics, diving, and figure skating face similar scoring challenges, and they too may benefit from consistent, objective evaluations. Still, the starting point for change lies here and now, in the ring and cage, where champions like Gervonta Davis and rising contenders like Lamont Roach Jr. rely on honest, accurate judging to shape their legacies.

The question remains: Is it time for AI judging the solution for combat sports? From where I stand at M2MMA, the answer is a resounding “Yes.” Let’s take the best of human expertise within Combat Sports, enhance it with cutting-edge technology, and give our athletes and the fans the clarity and fairness they deserve.

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)

Stay tuned for more updates as the world of combat sports continues to deliver thrilling action

and compelling stories.