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FX1 and Twenty First Group Bring AI-Powered Data to Combat Sports Betting: A New Era for Fight Fans and Sportsbooks

By jili tutorial · September 23, 2026

FX1 and Twenty First Group Bring AI-Powered Data to Combat Sports Betting: A New Era for Fight Fans and Sportsbooks

Introduction: The Untapped Potential of Combat Sports Betting

Combat sports — boxing, MMA, and other martial arts — have long commanded massive global audiences. From packed arenas to millions of pay-per-view buys, the demand for these events is undeniable. Yet, despite the popularity, the data infrastructure supporting combat sports betting has remained surprisingly underdeveloped. While mainstream sports like football and basketball enjoy rich, real-time data feeds and sophisticated betting markets, combat sports have struggled with fragmented, inconsistent data across promotions, weight classes, and regions.

That is about to change. AI and sports data company FX1 has teamed up with sports intelligence firm Twenty First Group to launch a new combat sports betting solution designed specifically for sportsbooks and prediction market platforms. This partnership aims to close the data gap and unlock a wealth of previously unavailable markets and fan experiences.

The article below expands on the original announcement, providing deeper context, technical details, and practical implications for the betting industry.

The Partnership: Combining AI Video Analysis with Pricing Intelligence

Who Are the Players?

Under the agreement, FX1’s combat sports data and AI capabilities will be combined with Twenty First Group’s pricing and line-making expertise to create both pre-fight and live in-play betting markets. The initial offering will focus on boxing, with plans to expand to MMA and other combat sports.

Why This Matters

Damien Dau, founder and CEO of FX1, explained that while combat sports have grown in popularity, “the underlying data infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the sport’s growth.” He added: “As the ways fans watch, interact with, and experience sports continue to evolve, leagues and promotions require a new data layer designed to meet those changing demands.”

Will Stephenson, Chief Betting Officer at Twenty First Group, echoed this sentiment: “Combat sports have significant untapped potential. Fragmented data has created challenges across the market. This partnership will help establish a new standard for the category.”

Why Combat Sports Need a Data Revolution

The Fragmentation Problem

Combat sports are uniquely fragmented compared to traditional team sports:

This fragmentation has restricted the depth and range of betting markets available to operators. For example, a boxing fan might only find moneyline and round betting, while in-play markets are often limited due to a lack of real-time data feeds. The FX1–Twenty First Group solution aims to change that by providing a single, consistent data foundation.

The Scale of FX1’s Existing Data

FX1’s database already contains information on more than one million fights and 500,000 fighters. This vast historical dataset, combined with real-time video analysis, allows for more accurate pricing and predictive modelling than ever before.

How the Solution Works: Technology Stack

FX1’s MotionAI: Turning Video into Real-Time Data

MotionAI is the core of FX1’s offering. It uses computer vision and machine learning to analyse live fight footage, tracking:

This data is processed in real time, providing a stream of actionable information that can be used for:

As described on FX1’s LinkedIn page, MotionAI enables “new formats, greater fan engagement and new experiences across betting, broadcasting, performance and safety, all built on a single, consistent data foundation.”

Twenty First Group’s Pricing and Predictive Intelligence

Twenty First Group brings its established expertise in sports pricing. Their models incorporate:

By combining MotionAI’s real-time inputs with Twenty First Group’s predictive models, sportsbooks can offer competitive, accurate odds that adapt instantly as a fight progresses.

Initial Focus: Boxing as the Proving Ground

The partnership will launch with a comprehensive offering for boxing. This includes:

Boxing was chosen as the starting point because of its global fanbase, established pay-per-view model, and existing but fragmented data infrastructure. Once the solution proves effective, the two companies plan to expand to MMA and other combat sports.

Benefits for Sportsbooks and Prediction Markets

Deeper Betting Markets

With reliable real-time data, operators can offer more than just simple win/loss bets. The combination of historical data and live video analysis opens up dozens of new market types, increasing engagement and average bet volume.

Better Risk Management

Accurate, AI-driven odds lead to reduced liability for sportsbooks. By pricing fights more precisely, operators minimize the risk of sharp bettors exploiting gaps in the market.

Enhanced Fan Experience

Fans benefit from richer statistics during broadcasts and more immersive in-play betting. For example, a viewer watching a title fight can see real-time strike accuracy, takedown defense percentages, and predicted outcome probabilities — all powered by the same data that drives the betting odds.

Prediction Market Opportunities

Beyond traditional sportsbooks, the solution is also aimed at prediction market platforms (e.g., Polymarket, PredictIt). These platforms rely on accurate, transparent data to resolve questions like “Will Fighter X land more than 50 strikes in Round 3?” The FX1–Twenty First Group data layer provides that certainty.

Setting a New Global Standard for Combat Sports

Both FX1 and Twenty First Group envision this partnership as more than just a commercial deal. They aim to establish a global standard for how combat sports data is collected, analyzed, and monetized.

“By combining FX1’s proprietary technology with Twenty First Group’s expertise in pricing and predictive intelligence, we can set a new global standard for combat sports,” said Dau. Stephenson added: “We aim to develop the infrastructure and intelligence layer needed to support the wider combat sports industry.”

This could have ripple effects beyond betting — from fighter performance analysis to broadcast enhancements and even safety monitoring (e.g., detecting when a fighter is taking excessive damage).

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Combat Sports Betting

The FX1 and Twenty First Group partnership marks a significant milestone for combat sports betting. By integrating AI-driven video analysis with proven pricing models, they are addressing long-standing data fragmentation issues. For sportsbooks, this means deeper markets, better risk management, and a more engaged audience. For fans, it means a richer, more interactive experience.

As the solution rolls out — starting with boxing and expanding into MMA — the combat sports industry may finally get the data infrastructure it deserves. The future of fight night betting is about to become a whole lot smarter.

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