A new partnership announced last week has the potential to change the way fans watch UFC. Heed has partnered with the Mixed Martial Arts giant to enrich fan experience through next-level information and content.
Created in 2016 by AGT International CEO and founder Mati Kochavi, Heed will make use of AGT’s Internet of Things Analytics (IoTA) tech. IoTA will be used to analyze data accumulated by an IoT stream (powered by artificial intelligence) with the end goal of bringing a level of fan engagement never before seen.
“Every action-packed second in the Octagon generates a ton of data about our fighters and the energy and emotion that surround a fight,” UFC President Dana White said in a statement. “With Heed, we’re looking at ways to measure this data and use it to give our fans the best seat in the house no matter where in the world they’re watching from.”
According to Heed, its technology can track the emotions of both fan and fighter. This, along with a running tally of blocks, jabs, etc., might give UFC fans a better idea of a fighter’s health.
UFC CFO Andrew Schleimer elaborated while speaking to the Associated Press. “We believe there’s a tremendous opportunity for us as UFC and for the fighters to benefit from a health and safety perspective. Just by virtue of the types of things that we’re capturing, we’re going to be very much focused on how we can leverage that to enhance our brand, our promotion and our athletes, which we’re always looking to do, anything related to health and safety.”
The proprietary tech will provide access to data never before accessible to the average viewer. Not only does it enhance the fight experience, it also has the unique ability to aid those who might be watching UFC for the first time.
Along with UFC, Heed also announced partnerships with EuroLeague Basketball and Professional Bull Riders.