AI seems to be everywhere, all works of live. Now, more than ever – it looks set to take over the combat sports world. Is this the future of training for boxing, MMA and other combat sports?
Its evolving
Now AI has been around in sports for a long time, it’s just not quite the terminator just yet. Smart gear such as head guards, gum shields and gloves all can have AI within them.
Joe Rogan has often said that Sean Strickland wears trackable gear which shows how many times he’s been hit, he has the most sparring sessions and gets hit the least, this is a great example of AI being used to measure training and aim for incremental improvements.
Its safe(r)
Many people have gone on to say that AI will be the end of humanity, however, going off the here and now using VR to spar can be a great way to train without taking on any additional damage to the brain which can accumulate to CTE. Now VR boxing and MMA can have its own drawbacks, but it seems like a great step in the right direction. Sometimes though we get these gems.
VR opponents
Sparring partners can be difficult to find, when you are looking for the right person to match a style of an opponent it can be almost impossible at times. However, with the use of VR theoretically you could “clone” an opponent and have fought them hundreds of times before actually meeting them in the ring.
Pros vs cons
Pro
Con
- Take less physical damage when training
- Can train at any time and anywhere
- Can mimic your opponent
- Train with injuries
- Cost effective
- Might turn into terminator and end humanity as we know it