M2MMA Monday Blog - 24th of March, 2025

UFC London & ONE Championship 172 Recap: A Weekend of Shocks, Legends, and Rising Stars

Combat sports fans experienced a rollercoaster ride of emotions this past weekend, as two iconic venues—London's packed O₂ Arena and Japan's legendary Saitama Super Arena—hosted unforgettable nights of action. UFC London and ONE Championship 172 delivered spectacular knockouts, thrilling submissions, record-breaking moments, and career-defining victories. From shocking upsets and emotional farewells to the rise of new contenders and champions, these events underscored exactly why combat sports remain uniquely compelling. Let’s dive into the unforgettable moments, remarkable statistics, and intriguing storylines that will shape the future of MMA and kickboxing alike.

UFC London: Brady’s Shocking Submission Headlines Record Night

In front of a record-breaking crowd of 18,583 fans at London’s sold-out O₂ Arena, UFC delivered one of the most memorable Fight Night events ever, generating a remarkable gate revenue of $4.71 million—the highest in UFC Fight Night history.

Sean Brady Submits Leon Edwards, Enters Title Conversation

In the main event, Philadelphia grappling ace Sean Brady stunned the British crowd by submitting beloved hometown hero and former welterweight champion Leon Edwards. Brady’s relentless grappling pressure proved too much for Edwards, who valiantly defended multiple submission attempts before ultimately succumbing to a guillotine choke at 1:39 of Round 4.

Notably, Brady controlled Edwards on the ground for more than 10 cumulative minutes, reflecting his strategic mastery of the grappling game. For his impressive performance, Brady earned a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, catapulting him directly into title contention against the winner of the upcoming Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena showdown at UFC 315.

Carlos Ulberg Overcomes Jan Blachowicz in Striking Showcase

In the co-main event, rising star Carlos Ulberg extended his impressive winning streak to eight consecutive fights by defeating former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Blachowicz via unanimous decision. Ulberg’s pinpoint striking was evident throughout, landing 58% of his significant strikes, which kept Blachowicz at bay and under constant threat. This victory positions Ulberg firmly within striking distance of a coveted UFC title shot.

Kevin Holland Triumphantly Returns to Welterweight

Fan-favorite Kevin Holland made a triumphant return to the 170-pound division, outclassing veteran grappler Gunnar Nelson in a clear unanimous decision victory. Holland’s improved defensive wrestling and diverse striking earned him another $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, showcasing his readiness to climb the welterweight rankings.

Alexia Thainara Debuts Impressively; Molly McCann Bids Emotional Farewell

Brazilian newcomer Alexia Thainara announced her arrival in dramatic fashion, quickly submitting beloved UK fighter Molly McCann via first-round rear-naked choke. The win earned Thainara a performance bonus and immediately elevated her status as a new strawweight threat. For McCann, the emotional loss marked the end of her fighting career, prompting a heartfelt retirement announcement that moved the entire arena.

Nathaniel Wood’s Technical Masterclass

UK featherweight Nathaniel Wood delivered an impressive performance against France’s Morgan Charrière, showcasing striking accuracy, precise combinations, and controlled grappling exchanges en route to a unanimous decision victory. Wood’s tactical dominance reaffirmed his trajectory toward contention in the featherweight division.

Notable Preliminary Action: Kavanagh Survives Bloody Battle

On the undercard, unbeaten prospect Lone’er Kavanagh overcame a gruesome cut to defeat Charles Oliveira protégé Felipe dos Santos by unanimous decision. Kavanagh’s resilience kept his perfect record intact at 9-0, leaving fans eager to see him tested further against higher-ranked competition.

ONE Championship 172: Rodtang’s Thunderous KO and Wakamatsu’s Redemption

Less than 24 hours after UFC London concluded, Japan’s iconic Saitama Super Arena hosted ONE Championship 172, featuring explosive knockouts, dramatic finishes, and the crowning of new champions.

Rodtang Knocks Out Takeru in 80 Seconds, Solidifying Legacy

In the highly anticipated flyweight kickboxing super-fight, Muay Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon needed just 80 seconds to dispatch renowned kickboxer Takeru Segawa. The electrifying knockout sent shockwaves through the arena, reaffirming Rodtang’s unmatched power and aggressive striking style. This swift victory further solidified Rodtang’s legacy as one of combat sport’s most dangerous and exciting strikers.

Yuya Wakamatsu Claims Flyweight Gold in Stunning Fashion

Japan’s own Yuya Wakamatsu achieved career redemption, capturing the vacant ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship with a spectacular first-round TKO over former champion Adriano Moraes. Displaying pinpoint striking accuracy, Wakamatsu relentlessly pressured Moraes, forcing the referee’s stoppage at 3:39 of Round 1. This career-defining victory sparked an emotional celebration, as Wakamatsu secured his place among ONE’s elite champions.

Masaaki Noiri Crowned Interim Featherweight Kickboxing Champion

In the featherweight kickboxing interim title bout, Japanese striking sensation Masaaki Noiri overcame Thailand’s dynamic Tawanchai PK Saenchai with an explosive third-round TKO. Noiri’s relentless aggression and ability to seize momentum in critical moments paved the way for his victory, marking him as a key figure in ONE’s competitive kickboxing division.

Nabil Anane Continues Muay Thai Rise

Bantamweight Muay Thai rising star Nabil Anane displayed dominant technique and exceptional composure to secure another decisive victory. Anane’s precision striking and defensive brilliance marked him as a future title contender, quickly emerging as a fan favorite.

Looking Forward: New Stars, New Stories

This weekend’s UFC and ONE Championship events perfectly illustrated why combat sports continue to captivate global audiences. From Brady’s dramatic ascent to Rodtang’s thunderous knockout, from emotional farewells to emerging contenders, these events showcased the unpredictable thrill of high-stakes competition. Fans have plenty to anticipate in the months ahead, as these narratives continue to evolve, setting the stage for future unforgettable battles.

Stay tuned for more in-depth analysis, fighter interviews, and fight previews, as we keep you connected to the heart of combat sports!

Beyond the Ring: Honoring George Foreman’s Legacy in Sport, Business, and Life
george in zaire

By Chris Cannon, M2MMA General Manager

The world recently bid farewell to one of boxing’s most enduring legends and successful entrepreneurs, George Foreman, who passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76. Foreman's journey from humble beginnings in Marshall, Texas, to global recognition in the boxing ring and boardroom stands as an iconic story of determination, resilience, and reinvention.

Foreman's boxing career began brilliantly with a gold medal victory at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. This victory laid the groundwork for one of boxing’s most memorable eras. His powerful punches and intimidating presence soon took the boxing world by storm, culminating in his historic 1973 victory against Joe Frazier, securing the heavyweight championship title for the first time. While his defeat to Muhammad Ali in the legendary 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" in Zaire was a significant setback, it ultimately fueled Foreman's unprecedented comeback.

In a remarkable display of perseverance, Foreman returned to the ring and, in 1994, reclaimed the heavyweight title at age 45 by defeating Michael Moorer. This victory cemented his place in sports history as the oldest heavyweight champion, embodying the relentless spirit that defined his career.

Yet, George Foreman's story didn't stop at boxing. His entrepreneurial acumen shined brightly through his partnership in the launch of the iconic George Foreman Grill. Debuting in 1994, the grill quickly became synonymous with convenient, healthier cooking, achieving global success with over 100 million units sold. Remarkably, Foreman earned more from his ventures in business than he did during his boxing career, underscoring his exceptional ability to adapt and succeed beyond athletics.

Foreman's legacy extends far beyond his sporting achievements and business triumphs. His transition from sports to business has been particularly inspirational to former athletes, myself included. Foreman's example demonstrates how the qualities and characteristics essential in professional sports—discipline, resilience, strategic thinking, and perseverance—can seamlessly translate into the business world, allowing one to carve out a new and successful career after retirement from athletics.

Several other sporting legends have followed Foreman's lead, successfully leveraging their athletic reputations into prominent business ventures. Stars such as Michael Jordan, with the Air Jordan brand; David Beckham, whose ventures include partnerships in fashion and sports ownership; and Serena Williams, whose investments span across sports, fashion, and venture capital, exemplify this trend. These athletes, like Foreman, illustrate the power of personal branding and strategic entrepreneurship driven by skills honed in competitive sports.

At M2MMA, we embrace Foreman's ethos by empowering athletes to harness their strengths not only inside the ring or cage but also in business and life beyond sports. Our commitment is to support athletes in their transitions, guiding them towards impactful and fulfilling careers after their sporting journeys conclude.

George Foreman became an inspiration for millions, symbolizing the possibilities that arise from resilience and a willingness to reinvent oneself. As we reflect on his remarkable life, his story remains a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and enduring courage.

AI, Creativity, and Mental Health: The Rise of Meta-Creativity and the Future of TherapyThe Power of Mentorship: Shaping Futures, Changing Lives
mentorship

By Jeff Robinson

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer M2Bio Sciences (OTC: $MRES) & Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of M2MMA (OTC:$RLAB)

March 21, 2025

Creativity has always been considered one of the last frontiers of human uniqueness, a process driven by intuition, experience, and emotional depth. However, artificial intelligence now challenges this notion, reshaping industries that once relied solely on human creativity. The rise of AI-generated art, literature, music, and scientific problem-solving is not about automation replacing human ingenuity; it is about meta-creativity -the collaboration between human intuition and AI’s computational power to create something beyond what either could achieve alone. The question is no longer whether AI can be creative but how it can expand human creativity in ways previously unimaginable.

Meta-creativity represents a shift in how we view the creative process. AI is no longer just a tool; it is becoming an active participant, challenging human ideas, suggesting novel solutions, and expanding artistic and intellectual exploration. AI does not experience creative blocks or fatigue. It can analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns humans overlook, and generate thousands of concept variations in seconds. While human creators rely on experience, emotions, and cultural context, AI synthesizes creative content from a limitless range of influences, producing ideas that may seem unexpected or unconventional. This synergy is actively reshaping industries, making meta-creativity not a theoretical concept but a present reality.

Scientific research has explored how AI enhances or alters human creativity. A study published in Nature Machine Intelligence found that AI-assisted brainstorming significantly increased originality and diversity in ideas compared to traditional methods. Participants who collaborated with AI produced more varied and unconventional solutions, demonstrating that AI’s ability to break free from human cognitive biases enhances creative potential. Another Journal of Creative Behavior study examined how professional artists and designers interact with AI-generated content. It revealed that AI tools were most effective when used as provocations rather than direct solutions. AI-generated art or text presented as a creative starting point enabled human artists to reinterpret and refine outputs, pushing their work into new territories. The study suggested that AI functions best as an unpredictable, challenging partner that forces human creators to think differently.

Meta-creativity also helps remove psychological barriers that inhibit creativity. Many individuals struggle with self-doubt, fear of failure, or perfectionism, leading to hesitation and stagnation. AI generates content freely and iteratively, offering endless possibilities without judgment. This allows human creators to engage in rapid ideation, testing multiple creative directions without the pressure of perfection. Neuroscientific studies show that this iterative, low-stakes creative engagement activates the brain’s default mode network, which is associated with divergent thinking and imagination.

AI’s impact extends beyond the arts and sciences into mental health, where creativity plays a crucial role in emotional expression and psychological resilience. Art therapy, music therapy, and expressive writing help individuals externalize emotions and process trauma in ways that traditional talk therapy often cannot. AI-generated art and interactive creative platforms expand these techniques by providing dynamic tools that adapt to a patient’s emotional state in real time. AI can generate visual representations of a patient’s mood based on verbal or written input, helping externalize emotions that may be difficult to articulate. Research in neuroaesthetics has shown that engaging with creative works - especially those that reflect one’s feelings - activates brain regions associated with emotional regulation, including the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. AI-powered art therapy could take this concept further by generating therapeutic imagery tailored to an individual’s psychological needs.

AI’s role in mental health is not limited to art therapy; it also transforms how therapists engage with patients. Over the past few months, I have spoken with numerous therapists and psychologists, and their reactions to AI vary widely. Some doubt the technology, dismissing its value outright. Others recognize that change is coming but feel unprepared and unsure how to integrate AI into their practice. Then there are those actively exploring AI-driven solutions in small, calculated steps—testing AI-assisted journaling, therapy chatbots, and creative AI-generated exercises to enhance their sessions. These forward-thinking professionals are not just adopting AI because they feel forced to; they see firsthand how it improves their ability to connect with clients.

I have been working with some open-minded therapists based in the UAE as we test and refine our AI-powered mental wellness agent, M2MMA Assist. 🥊🧠This type of work has always been my passion, and it’s incredibly exciting to see leading psychologists and psychiatrists blown away by what AI is capable of. They understand that AI is not a replacement for human intuition but a powerful augmentation of their expertise. By integrating AI, they are enhancing patient engagement, identifying emotional patterns in real-time, and providing personalized interventions that were previously impossible.

The importance of AI in combat sports mental health cannot be overstated. M2MMA Assist will launch soon under the M2MMA Group and will be a fully automated AI-powered app designed to support fighters, trainers, and coaches throughout their journeys. Combat sports require immense mental resilience, yet psychological support for athletes remains inconsistent and underutilized. M2MMA Assist will provide real-time AI-driven guidance, emotional check-ins, and personalized mental coaching, offering fighters 24/7 support with zero human intervention. Whether after a tough loss, before a big fight, or during intense training, athletes will have immediate access to tailored psychological insights, ensuring they stay mentally strong and focused.💪

For mental health practitioners, the rise of AI-driven creative tools presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Those who resist AI entirely may find themselves struggling to adapt as AI-assisted therapy becomes the norm. However, those who embrace AI to complement their skills can create more profound, more effective therapy experiences that combine human intuition with AI’s analytical power. AI-generated creativity is not a threat to therapists but a resource that, when used correctly, expands their ability to help patients.

Mental health is entering a new era where creativity, technology, and therapy intersect. AI’s ability to enhance creative processes can serve as a tool for therapists and patients, unlocking new ways to explore emotions, process trauma, and develop resilience. Just as AI reshapes creative industries, it will inevitably reshape mental health care. The question is not whether AI will play a role in therapy but how we guide its integration to amplify human healing rather than diminish it. Those who master this integration will now be at the forefront of a mental health revolution, where creativity is no longer limited by human constraints but enhanced by the limitless potential of AI.

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)

Chris Cannon

GENERAL MANAGER OF M2MMA

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