The Sanford Pentagon and UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s largest streaming service for combat sports, are teaming up to bring MMA fans a new, immersive virtual experience through Meta’s Horizon Worlds app.
FIGHT PASS will feature its first “fully immersive” live MMA event 5:30 p.m. CT Friday with LFA 144 from the Sanford Pentagon. The main fight between Muin “Tajik” Gafurov and Diego “Magrinho” Silva starts at 8 p.m.
Fans will have access to a 180-degree panoramic view and connect in real-time to other fans in Meta Horizon World’s immersive environment, according to a press release.
“This is a Sanford Pentagon first, as well as being a first for the UFC and Meta,” said Jesse Smith, Sanford Sports vice president of operations, in an emailed statement. “But we’re thrilled to be involved in such a ground-breaking event, and excited to see where the technology goes.”
Nicole Ki, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Fri, October 14, 2022 at 1:56 PM·2 min read
Cheick Kongo and Sergei Kharitonov fight in the Bellator 265 mixed martial arts event on Friday, August 20, 2021 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.
The Sanford Pentagon and UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s largest streaming service for combat sports, are teaming up to bring MMA fans a new, immersive virtual experience through Meta’s Horizon Worlds app.
FIGHT PASS will feature its first “fully immersive” live MMA event 5:30 p.m. CT Friday with LFA 144 from the Sanford Pentagon. The main fight between Muin “Tajik” Gafurov and Diego “Magrinho” Silva starts at 8 p.m.
Fans will have access to a 180-degree panoramic view and connect in real-time to other fans in Meta Horizon World’s immersive environment, according to a press release.
“This is a Sanford Pentagon first, as well as being a first for the UFC and Meta,” said Jesse Smith, Sanford Sports vice president of operations, in an emailed statement. “But we’re thrilled to be involved in such a ground-breaking event, and excited to see where the technology goes.”
The Pentagon holds about 3,200 fans for MMA events, said Smith. The venue has had a long history with MMA, dating back to the first sanctioned show in state history.
In preparation for the event, Smith said the Meta team has deployed a multi-camera immersive VR production, working alongside the traditional broadcast TV production.
Fans will need Meta Quest 2 headset, Meta Horizon Worlds app to tune in
To participate, fans will need a Meta Quest 2 headset, download the Meta Horizon Worlds app and go to “Venues” in Horizon Worlds, said Smith . A subscription to FIGHT PASS is not required to attend.
Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com or at the doors.
All 16 fights will still be streamed live as a traditional broadcast on FIGHT PASS.
geeks
I’m not a FUCKING fight fan.