From its dark days of the early 90s to the UFC becoming the biggest combat sports promotion, MMA has come a long way. Gone are the days when MMA wasn’t in the mainstream. In fact, some of the top stars in the fight game today enjoy the clout that can rival the likes of Michael Jackson and Madonna in their heydays.

But within all these years, little has changed when it comes to training. Sure, there are all sorts of fancy equipment and clinical assistance. But when it comes to sparring, you still dance around with your training partner. However, like with everything today, this might be about to change.

Urijah Faber rolls with an AI-powered robot

Off late, the MMA community is going gung ho over a viral video on the internet. This short clip features the former WEC champion and UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber rolling on a BJJ mat. While the internet is full of such grappling sessions, many of them feature Faber himself. What makes this one special is Faber’s partner—an AI-powered robot!

For those unfamiliar, Urijah Faber is considered one of the greatest athletes to embrace the sport of MMA. A former UFC title challenger, the American has held championships in multiple divisions across promotions like WEC and King of the Cage. Even though he had a well-rounded game, the American was best known for his skills on the ground. Not to mention, he is also a former NCAA wrestler and a BJJ black belt.

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But despite this, the bot seems to be holding its own against a decorated grappler like him. Although it clearly didn’t seem to be dominating, it’s exciting, considering the technology is already advanced enough to match somebody with credentials like Faber. Whether this is a glimpse of a future training partner or a new competition for the athletes, only time can tell.

Fans react to the grappling bot that seems to match a black belt

As with anything and everything related to combat sports, the MMA community was quick to notice this clip. And in no time, the comment sections of one of the Instagram posts featuring this clip were flooded with comments of all sorts. Some of the selected ones are here:

What if you tap and he keeps going ?

Can you oil check a robot?

Didn’t seem to be much artificial intelligence going on there

So we just showing them all our methods and techniques? So they’ll really know how to neutralize us. Ok. Sure.

Put it on Khabib setting.

Do not teach AI/robots Jiu Jitsu

As if jujitsu wasn’t expensive enough

I think the last thing AI needs to learn is how to fight

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