Karate Combat, a popular fighting organization, is gearing up to launch a groundbreaking Hedera layer-2 network called UP in the first quarter of 2025. This innovative move will allow Karate Combat to license its cutting-edge “Up Only Gaming” technology stack, which powers its app, to other sports, leagues, and projects, potentially even meme coins.
The league, which boasts MMA legends Bas Rutten and Georges St-Pierre as ambassadors, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to its foray into the world of cryptocurrency and its token-driven user base. Through Karate Combat’s mobile and web app, users can bet KARATE tokens on upcoming fights. Successful bets result in winnings in KARATE tokens, while incorrect predictions do not result in any losses.
In a recent interview with Decrypt, pseudonymous co-founder “Onlylarping” highlighted the success of Karate Combat’s crypto-powered app and exciting fights featuring professional athletes and crypto influencers. The organization is now looking to expand its reach by offering its Up Only Gaming technology to other projects.
According to Onlylarping, there is significant demand from various entities such as sports leagues, teams, esports organizations, poker tournaments, and fantasy sports platforms to leverage Karate Combat’s technology. The company aims to onboard 20 to 30 projects onto its upcoming layer-2 network before its official launch.
Projects utilizing the Up Only Gaming platform will be able to record transactions on the UP layer-2 network without the requirement to launch a token on UP or Hedera. Users can deposit different tokens onto the app, and the platform will create synthetic versions for use.
The UP network plans to introduce a token next year, with a portion of its total supply allocated to a grants program aimed at supporting early builders on the network. Additionally, 30% of the total token supply will flow back into the wallets of KARATE token holders, offering potential rewards and benefits.
Notably, the launch of UP will bring significant backend improvements to the Karate Combat app, eliminating restrictions on gameplay timing and event participation. The update will see every prediction, fight, and token reward recorded on-chain, enhancing the overall user experience.
Despite the multitude of blockchain options available, Karate Combat’s decision to build on Hedera stems from a longstanding relationship with the HBAR Foundation. The team felt that Hedera understood their vision and provided unwavering support, leading to a successful partnership.
Karate Combat plans to release an open-source library to assist future projects in leveraging the Hedera network. The co-founder expressed excitement about paving the way for a new category of tokens similar to Karate Combat and is determined to make it a reality as quickly as possible.