The earliest indication of the existence of combat sports was spotted as early as 3000 BCE in Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt’s artwork and carvings depicting boxing and wrestling. The sports continued to develop over the years and spread to different parts of the world. However, it started achieving widespread popularity, legitimacy, and recognition in an athletic context at the dawn of the 20th century. With the advent of digital technology, small and big promotions started leveraging the new trend to attract an extensive audience, streamline operations, and have a more effective engagement with fans.
High-Definition Livestreaming of Fights
Digitalization has made it possible for promoters of combat sports to adopt live streaming as a way to transform the game and attract more attention. Many livestreaming platforms including Spartacus can transform a local event into a global spectacle by broadcasting it in real time and making it accessible to viewers and combat sports enthusiasts across the globe. High-definition streaming platforms like Spartacus go the extra mile by creating an interactive and engaging, experience for spectators, drawing them into the game as if they are participants and not viewers.
Fan Engagements and Use of Digital Payment Platforms
The cryptocurrency wave which has permeated all spheres of human endeavour has not left out the combat sports industry. Today, combat sports organisations, fighters and event promoters are securing sponsorship deals with cryptocurrency companies. Fighters have been seen severally wearing crypto-branded gear, and some major events are now being openly sponsored by crypto firms.
In addition to this, combat sports fans can use designated cryptos to purchase game tickets, merchandise, place bets with crypto on the sites curated by Crypto Betting LTD and pay for pay-per-view events. Some platforms even allow fans to support fighters directly through crypto making donations to them and this creates a closer connection between fighters and their audience.
Training Fighters with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
As artificial Intelligence continues to gain more ground in the digital age, it is only logical that combat sports coaching apps would embrace it for training sessions and more. AI cannot only teach trainees new techniques, but it is also apt at answering important training questions that may crop up at any time during the activity.
Apart from AI, all sorts of digital technology now gives combat sports enthusiasts 24/7access to A-list teachers, coaches, and trainers who were otherwise difficult to access. There is also private access to virtual sports courses and instructional drilling videos. While in-person training sessions remain the best, these AI-powered platforms also have room to grow, especially as they keep getting better and better.
Digital Marketing Insights
Data is one of the most important tools one can have in the digital world as it launches into digital platforms where information is accessible. In combat sports promotions, there is no end to what you can achieve with the right information; it can be harnessed to push your promotion strategies, reveal more about your fan base, their preferences, what makes them tick, and more.
Fans who browse different websites leave their footprints behind as they click, share, and comment, and this is a revelation of their true identities. A proper analysis of this data can be leveraged to develop effective marketing strategies that will resonate with fans on a much deeper level. Data also comes in handy for planning events and making informed decisions about many aspects of your job including cards, scheduling, and more.
Knowledge is power in the digital age. Data analysis may reveal that the weekends are when your audience spends quality time on your page and armed with this vital information, you may decide to stage your major events during that period.
Leveraging on Technology for Global Reach
The sweep of digital infrastructure across key industries is palpably felt in combat sports promotions and it is common knowledge that digital strategies require a solid tech infrastructure to make their application effective. Technological infrastructure they say is the mainstay of digital initiatives, thus, start-ups can leverage advanced technological infrastructure to unlock new prospects for growth. From strong cybersecurity measures that keep you protected from hackers to dependable servers that ensure the smooth running of your website, tech infrastructure is one investment that will never result in regrets. Content management system is another aspect of digital sports that needs serious consideration. It shouldn’t only have the capacity to support your content strategy, it should be intelligible and user-friendly no matter the type of content you are posting.
Personalization of Fan Experience
If you plan to win millions of hearts in this digital age, the key is personalization. Fans may appear as numbers that keep increasing on the screen but the reality is that they are flesh and blood (people) with their unique passions and preferences. Data can help you tap into your audience’s (individual) nuances and armed with enough knowledge, you can go ahead and provide them with personalized experiences aimed at making each of them feel special.
Receiving customized viewing references based on a fan’s previous watches, getting a newsletter or bulletin tailored to his favourite combatants, and receiving special offers specifically targeted to his interests are examples of personalization that can easily turn the tide in your favour. Fans tend to engage more in your content when they experience that feeling of being valued and understood.
Content Marketing
The power of excellent and relevant content in attracting and engaging audience cannot be over-emphasized. Apart from promotional content about combat sports like UFC fights, you can entice fans with other interesting blog posts from time to time. Blogs that can be explored include video lessons on combat skills, informative blog posts on combat sports history, podcasts featuring engaging interview sessions with fighters, and infographics analyzing some iconic fights. If your content is good enough, your audience will enjoy multiple benefits from being entertained to being inspired and educated. It also triggers intelligent conversations among viewers.