The UFC is known for bragging that its brand is “as real as it gets,” but it could be set to become a lot more “real” for viewers after it was revealed Thursday that the fighting league has partnered with Mark’s Meta. Zuckerberg to broadcast. Card fight in virtual reality.
Facebook creator Zuckerberg has been an enthusiastic embracer of virtual reality technology, reportedly investing as much as $1.2 billion in his ‘Metaverse’ concept, a platform that could perhaps best be described as an integration of standard video calling and technology. 3D.
But while the Metaverse has been mired in negative publicity amid rumors of a shrinking user base and less-than-impressive user experiences, that hasn’t stopped Zuckerberg, who is a consistent presence on charts that include the richest entrepreneurs in the world, try to forge new paths in their bid for the world to adopt VR technology.
It was announced Thursday that Zuckerberg’s Meta has partnered with the UFC to stream fight cards in virtual reality, beginning this Friday with an LFA event that the UFC owns the streaming rights to on its Fight Pass platform and which, according to a press release, It will allow Fight fans an opportunity to watch fights with other fans in real time.”as you enjoy unprecedented virtual reality views of all the exciting action in the LFA Octagon, including hitting, takedowns, grappling and more.”
“We are excited to deliver an unprecedented level of engagement for Fight Pass subscribers and MMA fans around the world by producing a live MMA event in virtual reality.said Crowley Sullivan, president and general manager of UFC Fight Pass.
“With Meta providing the VR platform and YBVR providing their production expertise, we’re sure this will be a great experience for fight fans..”
Zuckerberg recently drew attention by attending a UFC card at the organization’s Apex facility outside Las Vegas, a development that prompted the UFC to temporarily restrict access to fans and media alike.
It also drew criticism from the fighters on the card, with some suggesting they received less media attention as a result of the UFC decree.
Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan could be seen several times on the broadcast cheering on the fights from the cage.
The Facebook boss has also posted images on social media in recent weeks showing him participating in mixed martial arts training.
More cards that will air in virtual reality are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.