Cage Warriors, the London-based mixed martial arts promotion company will make its debut in the MetaVerse on Friday night.
CW 159 will become the first event in the promotion’s 20-year history to be broadcast in the Xtadium, the co-watching VR sports hub on the Meta Quest Platform.
As recently revealed by Meta and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the two organisations have partnered to bring live MMA on the UFC Fight Pass directly into fans’ own homes via VR technology.
In addition to this news, Cage Warriors has revealed that a dedicated UFC world in Meta Horizon World is scheduled to launch later this year.
Meta’s Director of Metaverse Entertainment Content, Sarah Malkin, said, “There are few experiences as riveting as watching an MMA fight live, but not everyone can catch the action in person.
“VR offers uniquely immersive events, letting fans get up close and personal for every takedown, submission, and knockout with UFC FIGHT PASS in Xtadium and Worlds.”
UFC Chief Content Officer and Executive Producer, Craig Borsari, added, “We tested this technology successfully with a handful of MMA events last year, and now we’re going further.
“The schedule of live MMA events available in Xtadium through UFC FIGHT PASS is growing and we’ll be helping to build out a dedicated UFC world in Meta Horizon Worlds that will offer the greatest fights in UFC history in a 4K 180-degree environment.
We’re just scratching the surface of how we can use this technology to create greater fan engagement and grow this sport.”
CW President, Graham Boylan, added, “Nothing parallels the experience of a live Cage Warriors show.
“Now, in association with Meta and the UFC, we’re bringing that experience directly into fans’ homes the world over.”
“We’re excited to be at the forefront of the latest evolution in combat sports broadcasting, giving fans another way to get up-close and personal with the UFC stars of the future!”
Cage Warriors fans will get their first taste of the Metaverse this Friday night, as Wilson Reis takes on Trevin Jones at CW 159 in San Diego.
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