ONE Championship#Financials
{{short description|Martial arts promoter based in Singapore}}
{{Use Singapore English|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox sports league
| title = ONE Championship
| current_season = 2025 in ONE Championship
| last_season = 2024 in ONE Championship
| logo = ONE_Championship_company_logo.png
| sport = Combat sports {{hlist|(MMA|Kickboxing|Muay Thai|Submission grappling)}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|14 July 2011}}
| owner = Group One Holdings Pte. Ltd.
| ceo = Chatri Sityodtong (Chairman and CEO)
| coo =
| director = Saurabh Mittal (Vice Chairman)
Hua Fung Teh (Group President)
Jesley Chua (CFO)
Rich Franklin (VP)
Matt Hume (SVP of Competition)
| president =
| commissioner =
| headquarters = 3 Fraser Street, #14-24 Singapore 189352{{cite web |title=Group One Holdings Pte. Ltd. |url=https://www.sgpbusiness.com/company/Group-One-Holdings-Pte-Ltd |publisher=Singapore Business Directory |access-date=2 March 2022}}
| website = [http://www.onefc.com onefc.com]
}}
ONE Championship, formerly ONE Fighting Championship (ONE FC) until January 2015, is a multinational combat sports promotion founded on 14 July 2011 by Chatri Sityodtong and Victor Cui.{{cite web |title=ONE Fighting Championship™ unveils CHAMPION versus CHAMPION |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/pressreleases/ONE-Fighting-Championship-unveils-CHAMPION-versus-CHAMPION-34230 |access-date=18 August 2011 |website=Sherdog}} Originally focused on mixed martial arts (MMA), ONE events have since incorporated muaythai, kickboxing, and submission grappling bouts. The promotion held its first event on 3 September 2011 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, and has since held over 200 events across Asia.{{cite web|title=EXCLUSIVE: ONE FC CEO Reveals Big Plans for China on Cusp of Beijing Debut|date=16 December 2014 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/one-fc-ceo-reveals-big-plans-china-cusp-195452034--mma.html|publisher=Yahoo!|access-date=16 December 2014}} In 2022, parent company One Group Holdings, changed its legal operations from Singapore to the Cayman Islands.{{Cite web |last=Goyder |first=James |date=2022-08-22 |title=ONE Championship set for IPO, switches legal operations to Cayman Islands |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2022/8/22/23314937/one-championship-set-ipo-switches-legal-operations-cayman-islands-mma |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=MMAmania.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=SG's ONE Championship re-domiciles to the Cayman Islands |url=https://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/one-championship-cayman-islands-305114 |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=DealStreetAsia |language=en}}{{Cite web |title= ONE Championship: parent company Group One eyeing US IPO, sources say, as it looks to expand beyond Asia |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3189011/one-championship-parent-company-group-one |date=16 August 2023 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}
History
= Founding and Early History: 2011–2014 =
File:Chatri Sityodtong in Singapore.png, founder, chairman, and CEO of One Championship]]
Entrepreneur Chatri Sityodtong founded One Fighting Championship (ONE FC) in July 2011 to unite Asia through martial arts, leveraging Singapore's infrastructure.{{Cite news |last=Lui |first=John |date=2017-06-26 |title=The Life Interview with ONE Championship founder Chatri Sityodtong: Fighting to change lives |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/fighting-to-change-lives |access-date=2018-11-29 |work=The Straits Times |language=en}} The promotion debuted on 3 September 2011 with ONE FC: Champion vs. Champion, selling out the Singapore Indoor Stadium.{{Cite news|last=Haggerty|first=Kevin|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2011/9/3/2402918/one-fc-event-photos-gallery-for-champion-vs-champion-on-sept-3a\|title=One FC event photos gallery for 'Champion vs Champion' on Sept. 3|work=MMA Mania|date=2011-09-03 |access-date=2023-01-06 |language=en-US}} Key milestones included the first female MMA bout in March 2012{{Cite news|last=NG|first=Gerald|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1127390-womans-bout-in-one-fc-illustrates-the-positives-and-and-negatives-of-women-mma|title=Nicole Chua Bout in ONE FC Illustrates the Positives and Negatives of Women MMA |work=Bleacher Report|date=2012-04-01|access-date=2023-01-06|language=en-US}} and the crowning of inaugural champions in bantamweight (Soo Chul Kim), lightweight (Kotetsu Boku), featherweight (Honorio Banario), welterweight (Nobutatsu Suzuki), flyweight (Adriano Moraes), and middleweight (Igor Svirid) divisions between 2012–2014.{{Cite news|last=Tabuena|first=Anton|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/10/6/3464910/one-fc-6-results-analysis-shinya-aoki-boku-kim-champion|title=ONE FC 6 results and analysis: Shinya Aoki gets early sub, Boku and Kim claim titles with upset wins |work=Bloody Elbow|date=2012-10-06|access-date=2023-01-06|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|last=Whitman|first=Mike|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/One-FC-7-Results-Honorio-Banario-Stops-Eric-Kelly-to-Become-First-Featherweight-Champion-49685|title=One FC 7 Results: Honorio Banario Stops Eric Kelly to Become First Featherweight Champion|work=Sherdog|date=2013-02-02|access-date=2023-01-07}}{{Cite news |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/one-fc-14-results-nobutatsu-193002712--mma.html|title=ONE FC 14 Results: Nobutatsu Suzuki Bests Brock Larson for Inaugural Welterweight Championship|work=Yahoo! Sports|date=2014-03-14|access-date=2023-01-06}}{{cite web |title=One FC 20 Results: Moraes vs. Eustaguio |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/9/12/6135809/one-fc-20-results-moraes-vs-eustaguio |website=MMA Fighting|date=2014-09-12|access-date=2023-01-07}}{{Cite news|last=Al-Shatti|first=Shaun|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/11/7/7173491/one-fc-22-results-igor-svirid-stuns-leandro-ataides-in-17-seconds-to|title=ONE FC 22 results: Igor Svirid stuns Leandro Ataides in 17 seconds to claim inaugural middleweight strap |work=MMA Fighting|date=2014-11-07|access-date=2023-01-06 |language=en-US}}
= Name Change and Expansion: 2015–2019 =
File:Brandon Vera v. Mauro Cerilli Conquest of Champions.jpg, Hua Fung Teh, and Mauro Cerilli at a ONE: Conquest of Champions press conference, 2018]]
Rebranded as ONE Championship in 2015,{{cite web|last=Tuttle|first=C.J. |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/One-FC-Drops-Fighting-From-Its-Name-Will-Now-Be-Known-As-One-Championship-81071|title=One FC Drops 'Fighting' From Its Name, Will Now Be Known As One Championship |website=Sherdog|date=2015-01-30|access-date=2015-02-25}} the promotion expanded into new disciplines and markets. It introduced the strawweight title (Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, 2015),{{cite web|last=Goyder|first=James|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2015/6/15/8769903/dejdamrong-sor-amnuaysirichoke-proud-first-one-champion-thailand-mma|title=Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke proud to be first ONE champion from Thailand|website=MMA Mania |date=2015-06-15|access-date=2023-01-07}} hosted its first Lethwei bout (2015),{{cite web|url=https://www.onefc.com/features/6-fascinating-facts-every-martial-arts-fan-needs-to-know-about-myanmar-lethwei|title=6 Fascinating Facts Every Martial Arts Fan Needs To Know About Myanmar Lethwei|website=ONE Championship|date=2017-06-14|access-date=2017-06-14}} and crowned heavyweight (Brandon Vera, 2015),{{cite web |last=Reinsmith|first=Trent |title=ONE Championship 35 results: Brandon Vera claims title in 26 seconds |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2015/12/11/one-championship-35-results-brandon-vera-claims-title-in-26-seconds-1 |website=MMA Junkie|date=2015-12-11|access-date=2023-01-01}} light heavyweight (Roger Gracie, 2016),{{cite web |last=Tatum|first=Rob|title=ONE Championship 'Ascent to Power' Results: Lee, Gracie Capture Belts |url=https://combatpress.com/2016/05/05/one-championship-ascent-to-power-results/ |website=Combat Press|date=2016-05-06|access-date=2023-01-01}} and women’s atomweight (Angela Lee, 2016) champions.{{cite web |last1=Wheaton|first1=Timothy|title=Watch: 19-year-old Angela Lee wins ONE title in thriller |url=https://www.thescore.com/mma/news/1022169 |website=theScore|date=6 May 2016 |access-date=2023-01-01}} A historic 2018 trade with the UFC exchanged Ben Askren for Demetrious Johnson.{{cite web |last=Doyle|first=Dave |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/10/27/18032850/historic-trade-reportedly-finalized-ben-askren-heads-to-ufc-demetrious-johnson-to-one|title=Historic trade finalized: Ben Askren heads to UFC, Demetrious Johnson to ONE |website=MMA Fighting|date=2018-10-27 |access-date=2023-01-06}} The promotion also launched Muay Thai (Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, 2018){{cite web|url=https://english.stadiumastro.com/sports-others/sam-becomes-one-flyweight-muay-thai-world-champion-tko-sergio-wielzen-93131|title=Sam-A Becomes ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion With TKO Of Sergio Wielzen|website=Stadium Astro|date=2018-05-18|access-date=2023-01-07}} and kickboxing titles (Kai Ting Chuang, 2018),{{cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2018/07/07/one-championship-battle-heavens-results/|title=ONE Championship: Battle for the Heavens Results|website=Cageside Press|date=2018-07-07|access-date=2023-01-07}} and hosted its sole boxing match (Srisaket Sor Rungvisai vs. Iran Diaz, 2018).{{Cite news|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/1500846/srisaket-to-defend-title-in-one-event|title=Srisaket to defend title in ONE event|date=10 July 2018|work=Bangkok Post|access-date=2018-11-27}}
= Further International Expansion: 2020–Present =
File:Stamp Fairtex - Lumpinee Jan 2023.jpg became ONE's first three-sport champion in 2023.{{cite web |date=2023-09-30 |title=ONE Fight Night 14: Stamp Fairtex Becomes Three Sport World Champion, TKOs Seo Hee Ham |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/09/30/one-fight-night-14-stamp-fairtex-becomes-three-sport-world-champion-tkos-seo-hee-ham/ |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=Cageside Press}}]]
ONE raised 150 million in 2021, reaching a 1.35 billion valuation, and relocated to the Cayman Islands in 2022. It expanded into submission grappling (Mikey Musumeci, 2022){{Cite web|last=Lichtveld|first=Andrés|url=https://mma.uno/one-championship-estrenara-campeonato-mundial-de-submission-grappling/|title=ONE Championship estrenará campeonato mundial de submission grappling |publisher=mma.uno|language=Spanish|date=2022-08-17|access-date=2023-01-07}} and debuted in the U.S. with ONE Fight Night 10 (2023).{{cite web|last=Stern|first=Adam |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2022/12/05/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/one-championship.aspx|title=ONE Championship to host its first U.S. event|website=Sports Business Journal|date=2022-12-05|access-date=2023-01-06}} Notable milestones included Smilla Sundell becoming the youngest champion (17) in 2022{{cite web|last=Atkin |first=Nicolas|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3175258/one-championship-156-smilla-sundell-becomes|title=ONE Championship 156: Smilla Sundell becomes youngest title-holder in history, dominating Jackie Buntan to win strawweight Muay Thai belt|website=South China Morning Post|date=2022-04-22|access-date=2023-01-07}} and a 2023 agreement to host events in Qatar.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3224973/one-championship-signs-mou-bring-live-events-qatar-doha-cards-2023|title=ONE Championship signs MOU to bring live events to Qatar, with Doha on the cards for 2023|website=South China Morning Post|date=2023-06-22|access-date=2023-06-22}}
Overview and broadcasters
ONE Championship is operated by Group ONE Holdings, led by chairman/CEO Chatri Sityodtong, vice chairman Saurabh Mittal, president Hua Fung Teh, and CFO Jesley Chua.{{cite web|url=https://groupone-holdings.com/#senior-leadership|title=Senior Leadership|publisher=Official Group ONE Holdings website|access-date=11 December 2022}} Matchmaking is overseen by VP of Operations Matt Hume, while former UFC champion Rich Franklin serves as a vice president.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2014/05/former-ufc-champ-rich-franklin-officially-joins-one-fc-as-executive|title=Former UFC champ Rich Franklin officially joins ONE FC as executive|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=28 May 2014|access-date=11 December 2022}} Key referees include Olivier Coste (MMA) and Elias Dolaptsis (Muay Thai/Kickboxing), with Dom Lau as ring announcer. English broadcasts feature commentators Mitch Chilson, Ray Flores, Brent Stover,{{cite web |last1=Riggs |first1=Drake |title=ONE Championship to make January 14 honorary 'Victoria Lee Day' in memory of 18-year-old prospect |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2023/1/18/23561460/one-championship-to-make-january-14-honorary-victoria-lee-day-in-memory-of-18-year-old-prospect-mma |date=January 18, 2023}} and Rich Franklin,{{cite web |last1=Barrasso |first1=Justin |title=UFC Hall of Famer Rich Franklin Goes Full Throttle on ONE's U.S. Expansion |url=https://www.si.com/mma/2023/01/10/rich-franklin-ufc-hall-of-famer-ones-promotion-united-states-expansion |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=January 10, 2023}} alongside guest analysts like Bas Rutten and Renzo Gracie. Former commentator Michael Schiavello departed in 2017.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/08/michael-schiavello-broadcast-booth-commentary-one-championship|title=Michael Schiavello back in broadcast booth for ONE Championship|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=3 August 2017}}{{cite web |title=Michael Schiavello LinkedIn |url=https://au.linkedin.com/in/michael-schiavello-636bb9116}}{{better source needed|date=June 2023}}
Former co-founder Victor Cui left in 2022 to lead the Edmonton Elks,{{cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/othersports/820320/victor-cui-leaves-one-championship/story/|title=Victor Cui leaves ONE Championship |publisher=GMA Network|date=1 February 2022|access-date=11 December 2022}} while ex-UFC champion Miesha Tate served as vice president from 2018 until her 2021 return to fighting.{{cite web | url=https://www.sportsmanor.com/why-did-miesha-tate-leave-her-vice-president-job-at-one-fc-and-come-back-to-ufc/ | title=Why Did Miesha Tate Leave Her Vice President Job at ONE FC and Come Back to UFC? |publisher=sportsmanor.com| date=15 July 2022 |access-date=11 December 2022}}
Broadcast Partnerships
ONE events air globally via networks like Vidio, Indosiar, and NET. in Indonesia;{{cite web|url=http://www.fightersonlymag.com/content/news/15204-one-fc-lands-indonesian-television-deal|title=ONE FC LANDS INDONESIAN TELEVISION DEAL|publisher=Fighters Only|access-date=28 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927135147/http://www.fightersonlymag.com/content/news/15204-one-fc-lands-indonesian-television-deal|archive-date=27 September 2013|url-status=dead}} MediaCorp Channel 5 (Singapore); TV5/One Sports (Philippines);{{cite tweet|user=OneSportsPHL|number=1177457802798723072 |title=ONE full day of non-stop action... |date=26 September 2019}} Workpoint TV/Channel 7 (Thailand); and AbemaTV (Japan). A 10-year deal with ESPN Star Sports began in 2012,{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/one-fc-announces-asian-tv-deal-with-espn|title=ONE FC Announces Asian TV Deal with ESPN|work=MMA Weekly|date=30 January 2012 |access-date=15 September 2012}} with later agreements including Turner Sports (2018–2021 U.S. coverage on B/R Live/TNT),{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/25509083/one-championship-air-turner-sports-channels-united-states|title=ONE Championship, Turner Sports reach U.S. broadcasting deal|website=ESPN|date=11 December 2018 }} Amazon Prime Video (2022–2027 U.S./Canada rights),{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-27/amazon-amzn-brings-one-championship-mma-fights-to-prime-video|title=Amazon Signs Deal to Bring One Championship MMA Fights to Prime Video|website=Bloomberg|date=2022-04-27|access-date=2022-04-28}} beIN Sports (2022 MENA expansion),{{cite web|url=https://fightrecord.co.uk/one-championship-sign-multi-year-deal-with-bein-sports/|title=ONE Championship sign multi-year deal with beIN Sports|website=Fight Record|date=2022-09-29|access-date=2022-10-08}} Seven Network (2023 Australia via 7plus),{{cite press release|title=ONE Championship And Seven Network Sign Exclusive Partnership...|url=https://www.onefc.com/press-releases/one-championship-and-seven-network-sign-exclusive-partnership-to-broadcast-combat-sports-in-australia/|website=ONE Championship|date=March 16, 2023|access-date=March 17, 2023}} and Sky Sports (2023 UK/Ireland).{{cite press release|title=ONE Championship And Sky Sports Announce Exclusive Partnership...|url=https://www.onefc.com/press-releases/one-championship-and-sky-sports-announce-exclusive-partnership-to-broadcast-live-one-events-in-the-uk-and-ireland/|date=December 12, 2023|access-date=February 23, 2024}} Events also stream live on YouTube and Facebook Watch in select regions.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/05/one-championship-one-super-app-events-stream-live-free-no-geo-blocking|title=With new app, ONE Championship announces all events now streamed live, free, with no geo-blocking|date=4 May 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=19 November 2018|language=en-US}}
Anti-doping policy
In August 2022, ONE Championship announced an anti-doping partnership with International Doping Tests & Management, a subsidiary of Drug Free Sport International, who will independently handle all testing of its fighters for "illegal substances", beginning with ONE 160 that month. Although the organization planned to introduce World Anti-Doping Agency standard testing in 2019, prior to its partnership with International Doping Tests & Management, ONE had not publicly drug-tested its athletes.{{cite web|last=Atkin |first=Nicolas|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3189613/one-championship-has-new-anti-doping-partner|title=ONE Championship has new anti-doping partner, will drug test athletes at all events |website=South China Morning Post|date=2022-08-20|access-date=2023-01-06}}
Rules
ONE Championship employs distinct rule sets across its disciplines, maintaining current reference formatting while condensing content for clarity:
= Mixed martial arts =
Using the Global Martial Arts Rule Set,{{cite web|url=https://www.onefc.com/martial-arts/|title=Martial Arts|publisher=Official ONE website|access-date=2023-01-01}} bouts feature 4-ounce MMA gloves. Non-title fights have three 5-minute rounds; title fights extend to five rounds. Victory methods include KO, submission, verbal tapout, TKO, disqualification, or judges' decision. Judges prioritize near-finishes, damage, striking/control, takedowns, and aggression.
Illegal actions include strikes to the groin, throat, spine, or back of the head/neck, head stomps, small joint manipulation, and spiking takedowns.{{cite web|url=http://onefc.com/about-one/rules.html|title=ONE Championship: Rules|publisher=Official ONE website|access-date=2022-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307011645/http://onefc.com/about-one/rules.html|archive-date=2015-03-07|url-status=dead}} Soccer kicks to grounded opponents, initially permitted under PRIDE-inspired rules,{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2012/9/3/3288684/two-days-late-for-andrei-arlovski-one-fc-adopts-full-pride-rules-for|title=Two Days Late for Andrei Arlovski, ONE FC Adopts Full PRIDE Rules for Soccer Kicks|publisher=MMA Fighting|date=2012-09-03|access-date=2022-04-17}} were banned in 2016 due to reputational concerns.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flocombat.com/articles/5055737-one-championship-clarify-soccer-kick-ban|title=ONE Championship Clarify Soccer Kick Ban|publisher=Flocombat|date=2016-09-18|access-date=2022-04-17}}
= Kickboxing and Muay Thai =
Governed by Global Kickboxing/Muay Thai Rule Sets, glove sizes vary by weight (8-oz for ≤65.8kg in kickboxing; 4-oz for Muay Thai). Muay Thai permits elbows, clinches, sweeps, and throws.{{cite web|url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/things-you-need-to-know-about-one-super-series/114513|title=Things you need to know about ONE Super Series|website=Tiebreaker Times|date=2018-04-20|access-date=2022-06-08}} Matches are 3–5 rounds (5 minutes each). Wins occur via KO (including throws in Muay Thai), TKO (4 total/3 round knockdowns), decision, or disqualification. Judges use the 10-point must system, prioritizing knockdowns, damage, clean strikes, and aggression.
= Submission grappling =
Under the Global Submission Grappling Rule Set, matches are a single 10-minute round. Victories come via submission, verbal tapout, or referee/corner stoppage. Judges decide based on submission attempts ("catches"); aggression breaks ties. Yellow cards penalize stalling, restricting offenders to submission-only wins. Pre-May 2022, matches required submissions for victory, with draws after 12 minutes.{{cite web|url=https://www.onefc.com/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-submission-grappling-bouts-at-one-x/|title=Everything You Need To Know About The Submission Grappling Bouts At ONE X|website=ONE Championship - The Home Of Martial Arts|date=2022-03-18|access-date=2022-06-08}}
Weight divisions
ONE Championship currently uses ten different weight classes:{{cite web|url=http://www.onefc.com/about-one/weight-classes.html|title=WEIGHT CLASSES|publisher=Official ONE site|access-date=1 May 2016}}
class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;" | |||
rowspan="2"|Weight class name
!colspan="3"|Upper limit !rowspan="2"|Gender | |||
---|---|---|---|
in pounds (lb)
!in kilograms (kg) !in stone (st) | |||
style="text-align:center;"
|align="left"|Atomweight |115 | 52.2 | 8.2 | Female |
style="text-align:center;"
|align="left"|Strawweight |125 | 56.7 | 8.9 | Male / Female |
style="text-align:center;"
|align="left"|Flyweight |135 | 61.2 | 9.6 | Male / Female |
style="text-align:center;"
|align="left"|Bantamweight |145 | 65.8 | 10.4 | Male / Female |
style="text-align:center;"
|align="left"|Featherweight |155 | 70.3 | 11.1 | Male |
style="text-align:center;"
|align="left"|Lightweight |170 | 77.1 | 12.1 | Male |
style="text-align:center;"
|align="left"|Welterweight |185 | 83.9 | 13.2 | Male |
style="text-align:center;"
|align="left"|Middleweight |205 | 93 | 14.6 | Male |
style="text-align:center;"
|align="left"|Light Heavyweight |225 | 102.1 | 16.1 | Male |
style="text-align:center;"
|align="left"|Heavyweight |265{{efn|Unlimited in kickboxing}} | 120.2 | 18.9 | Male |
ONE weigh-ins include a hydration test.
The change took place after the death of 21-year-old Chinese fighter, Yang Jian Bing (who was supposed to face Geje Eustaquio) on 11 December 2015, due to dehydration by weight-cutting in the Philippines.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2015/12/11/9891100/one-championships-yang-jian-bing-dies-from-weight-cutting|title=ONE Championship fighter dies after weight cut|first=Luke|last=Thomas|date=11 December 2015|website=MMA Fighting}}
The promotion banned weight-cutting by dehydration in order to promote fighter safety.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2015/12/23/10657706/one-championship-bans-weight-cutting-by-dehydration-challenges-ufc-follow-suit-mma|title=Say Goodbye To Weight Cutting By Dehydration|work=MMAmania.com|access-date=19 November 2018}} The promotion’s revised policy on weight mandated that athletes are monitored in their training camps, and have urine specific gravity tests to ensure they are hydrated up to three hours ahead of their bouts.
The new system was well received by athletes in the organization,{{Cite news|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/mma-ufc/ben-askren-says-one-championship-weight-cutting-changes-have-been-a-long-time-coming/|title=Ben Askren says ONE Championship weight-cutting changes have been "a long time coming"|date=13 February 2016|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=19 November 2018|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/3/29/18286669/eddie-alvarez-opens-up-one-debut-not-cutting-weight-ufcs-leverage-tactics-conor-mcgregor-retirement|title=Eddie Alvarez opens up on ONE debut, not cutting weight, UFC's leverage tactics, Conor McGregor's retirement, more|first=Marc|last=Raimondi|date=29 March 2019|website=MMA Fighting}} as well as other stakeholders in the MMA industry.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/07/alex-davis-says-one-championship-weight-cutting-solution-done-right|title=With current focus on weight-cutting solutions, veteran manager believes ONE Championship may have answers|date=25 July 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=19 November 2018|language=en-US}}
Events
{{Main|List of ONE Championship events}}
class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ class="nowrap" | List of ONE Championship seasons by year ! |
2011 in ONE Championship |
2012 in ONE Championship |
2013 in ONE Championship |
2014 in ONE Championship |
2015 in ONE Championship |
2016 in ONE Championship |
2017 in ONE Championship |
2018 in ONE Championship |
2019 in ONE Championship |
2020 in ONE Championship |
2021 in ONE Championship |
2022 in ONE Championship |
2023 in ONE Championship |
2024 in ONE Championship |
2025 in ONE Championship |
=ONE Warrior Series=
In November 2017, it was announced that ONE VP Rich Franklin would head up a competition called the ONE Warrior Series, searching for up-and-coming martial artists in Asia. The prize is a six-figure contract with the organization, with the winner determined based on their performance instead of victories.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2017/11/17/16668628/rich-franklins-one-warrior-series-set-screen-2018|title=Rich Franklin Introducing 'ONE Warrior Series'|work=MMAmania.com|access-date=21 November 2018}} The most recent edition of the ONE Warrior series in its initial format was ONE Warrior Series 10, which aired on February 19, 2020.
==ONE Warrior Series: Philippines==
On September 12, 2022, ONE Warrior Series made a brief return as a reality television show titled ONE Warrior Series: Philippines. The show featured 16 mixed martial arts fighters in the Philippines competing for a $100,000 contract to compete in ONE Championship. Team Lakay members Joshua Pacio and Geje Eustaquio were featured on the show as coaches. The show premiered on September 18, 2022 and featured 12 episodes.{{cite web|url=https://www.onefc.com/news/how-to-watch-one-warrior-series-philippines/|title=How To Watch ONE Warrior Series: Philippines|website=ONE Championship|date=2022-09-12|access-date=2024-04-15}}{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2022/09/16/2210171/top-filipino-mma-prospects-take-spotlight-one-warrior-series-philippines|title=Top Filipino MMA prospects take the spotlight in ONE Warrior Series: Philippines|website=Philstar Global|date=2022-09-16|access-date=2024-04-15}}
=ONE Super Series=
On February 12, 2018, ONE Championship announced the establishment of the ONE Super Series, which would feature kickboxing and Muay Thai bouts.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmanytt.com/latest-news/championship-launch-one-super-series-league/|title=ONE Championship Launch New 'ONE Super Series' League {{!}} MMAnytt.com|date=12 February 2018|work=MMAnytt.com|access-date=19 November 2018|language=en-US}} The first event that featured bouts under Muay Thai and kickboxing rules was ONE: Heroes of Honor in Manila on 20 April 2018.{{cite web|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/02/12/18/one-championship-to-launch-kickboxing-league-in-manila|title=ONE Championship to launch kickboxing league in Manila|publisher=ABCS-CBN News|access-date=13 February 2018}} The promotion signed notable names such as Giorgio Petrosyan, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao and Fabio Pinca to feature on the bill. Since the inception of ONE Super Series, some events have used a five-roped ring, instead of the ONE circular cage, which had been used exclusively up until 2018. The ONE Super Series kickboxing bouts adopt the oriental ruleset.{{Cite web|date=16 August 2020|title=ONE Championship's Super Series debuts on Friday {{!}} BusinessWorld|website=BusinessWorld |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/one-championships-super-series-debuts-on-friday/|access-date=16 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816142559/https://www.bworldonline.com/one-championships-super-series-debuts-on-friday/|archive-date=16 August 2020}} As of 2020, ONE Super Series kickboxing bouts use boxing gloves. In ONE Super Series Muay Thai bouts, open-finger 4 oz gloves are used.{{cite web |title=Liam Harrison talks upcoming ONE Championship fight and ongoing beef with Dave Leduc |url=https://thebodylockmma.com/one-championship/liam-harrison-talks-upcoming-one-championship-fight-and-ongoing-beef-with-dave-leduc/ |website=The Body Lock|date=8 January 2020 }} The first ONE event to consist entirely of ONE Super Series contests was ONE Championship: Immortal Triumph in Ho Chi Minh City on 6 September 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.overtimeheroics.net/2019/09/05/one-championship-breaking-new-ground-with-immortal-triumph-card/|title=ONE Championship Breaking New Ground with Immortal Triumph Card.|website=Overtime Heroics|date=2019-09-05|access-date=2022-01-14}}
=ONE Infinity=
On 13 February 2020, ONE announced the launch of the "Infinity" series, events consisting of at least three championship fights and a minimum of 12 world champions.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/02/one-championship-to-launch-one-infinity-series-demetrious-johnson-to-headline-first-event|title=ONE Championship launches 'ONE Infinity Series,' Demetrious Johnson to headline first event|author=Simon Head|date=13 February 2020|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}
=ONE Lumpinee=
In September 2022, ONE announced a partnership with the Royal Thai Army to hold at least 52 shows in 2023 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The weekly events started with ONE Friday Fights 1 on 20 January 2023, where Nong-O Gaiyanghadao successfully defended his bantamweight Muay Thai title with a TKO of Alaverdi Ramazanov in the third round. The event finished as the most-watched show in prime time in Thailand, with a 3.9 rating among males 15 years old and over, according to data collected by Nielsen. It was broadcast locally on Thailand's Channel 7.{{cite web |last=Atkin |first=Nicolas |title=ONE Championship: Chatri thanks Thai Prime Minister as Lumpinee show debuts No 1 in prime time ratings |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3207970/one-championship-chatri-thanks-thai-prime-minister-lumpinee-show-debuts-no-1-prime-time-ratings |date=25 January 2023}} The event predominately features Muay Thai, but also includes MMA and kickboxing bouts. They are broadcast live in 154 countries, and reportedly offer the highest purses in Muay Thai history.{{cite web |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-one-championship-announces-one-lumpinee-52-events-thailand-2023|title=ONE Championship announces ONE Lumpinee with 52 events in Thailand in 2023|publisher=Sportskeeda|date=12 September 2022|access-date=11 December 2012}}{{cite web |url=https://combatpress.com/2022/09/one-championship-to-host-muay-thai-at-lumpinee-stadium-in-2023/|title=ONE Championship to Host Muay Thai at Lumpinee Stadium in 2023|publisher=Combat Press|date=16 September 2022|access-date=11 December 2012}}
Roster
{{Main|List of current ONE fighters|List of ONE Championship alumni}}
In May 2022, Sityodtong stated ONE Championship had 600 fighters in the organization.{{cite web |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-chatri-sityodtong-confidently-talks-one-vs-ufc|title="Very confident we have the greatest roster on the planet" - Chatri Sityodtong on ONE Championship and UFA comparisons|publisher=Sportskeeda|date=11 May 2022|access-date=11 December 2012}}
=Fighter salary=
Fighter salaries in Asia are not publicly disclosed so information about ONE FC's fighter purses is not in the public domain. However, in January 2014 Ben Askren revealed that he was being paid a minimum of US$50,000 per fight as well as a US$50,000 win bonus.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2014/1/23/5337334/cha-ching-ben-askren-reveals-details-new-contract-one-fc-mma|title=Cha-ching! Ben Askren reveals details behind new contract with ONE FC|publisher=mmamania.com|access-date=6 December 2012}} This was also the same amount Adriano Moraes made in his first fight against Demetrious Johnson. Following a legal dispute with his management team, Moraes signed a new contract that saw him making US$100,000 to show and US$100,000 to win, as well as a US$250,000 flat fee as champion and a US$10,000 monthly salary over two years.{{cite web|url=https://groundedmma.com/one-championship-fighter-pay/|title=ONE Championship Fighter Pay|website=Grounded MMA|date=2023-10-17|access-date=2024-06-28}}
Some fighter purses have been reportedly low as US$1,300 with a win bonus US$1,300, which was the amount received by Kyrgyzstani MMA fighter Anelya Toktogonov in her fight on ONE Friday Fights.{{cite web|url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/one-championship-leak-fighter-pay-paid-1300-mma/|title=ONE Championship comes under fire, criticized for dismal fighter pay in leaked contract|website=LowKick MMA|date=2023-03-31|access-date=2024-06-28}}
A cash bonus known as the "ONE Warrior bonus" was introduced on 9 July 2014 and implemented for the first time at ONE Fighting Championship: War of Dragons on 11 July 2014.
An award of US$50,000 is given out at the end of certain events to the fighter who impresses the most in terms of:"{{cite web |title=One FC to Introduce $50K 'One Warrior Bonus' to Standout Performers |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/One-FC-to-Introduce-3650K-One-Warrior-Bonus-to-Standout-Performers-70279 |access-date=18 August 2011 |website=Sherdog}}
- thrilling the fans with exciting action;
- demonstrating an incredible warrior spirit;
- exhibiting amazing skill, and;
- delivering a phenomenal finish.
The "ONE Warrior bonus" of $50,000 was re-introduced in January 2022, with a minimum of one bonus and a maximum of five bonuses awarded at each event.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3163031/one-championship-award-us50000-performance|title=ONE Championship boss Chatri Sityodtong to award US$50,000 performance bonuses at every event – starting with 'Dagi' and Timofey Nastyukhin|website=South China Morning Post|date=2022-01-12|access-date=2022-01-12}}
Rankings
{{Main|ONE Championship Rankings}}
The rankings for ONE Championship's fighters are both recorded and updated when information has been obtained from the promotion ice cream official website.{{Cite web|title=Rankings {{!}} ONE|url=https://www.onefc.com/rankings/|access-date=25 November 2020|website=www.onefc.com}}
Current champions
{{Main|List of ONE Championship champions}}
{{#section:List of ONE Championship champions|Current}}
Tournament winners
ONE Grand Prix Champions
class="wikitable"
! Division ! Champion ! Since | ||
Bantamweight | {{flagicon|JPN}} Masakatsu Ueda | 31 May 2013 (ONE FC: Rise to Power) |
Flyweight | {{flagicon|USA}} Demetrious Johnson | 13 October 2019 (ONE: Century − Part 1) |
Middleweight | {{flagicon|USA}} Michael James Sr | 13 October 2019 (ONE: Century − Part 1) |
rowspan=2|Featherweight {{small|(Kickboxing)}} | {{flagicon|ITA}} Giorgio Petrosyan | 13 October 2019 (ONE: Century − Part 2) |
{{flagicon|Belarus}} Chingiz Allazov | 26 March 2022 (ONE: X) | |
Bantamweight {{small|(Muay Thai)}} | {{flagicon|THA}} Rodlek P.K.Saenchai | 28 August 2020 (ONE: A New Breed) |
Atomweight | {{flagicon|THA}} Stamp Fairtex | 3 December 2021 (ONE: Winter Warriors) |
Heavyweight {{small|(Kickboxing)}} | {{flagicon|UKR}} Roman Kryklia | 19 November 2022 (ONE 163) |
Malaysia GP Champions
class="wikitable"
! Division ! Champion ! Since | ||
Featherweight | {{flagicon|MAS}} A.J. Lias Mansor | 15 November 2013 (ONE FC: Warrior Spirit) |
Cambodia GP Champions
class="wikitable"
! Division ! Champion ! Since | ||
Featherweight | {{flagicon|CAM}} Samang Dun | 12 September 2014 (ONE FC: Rise of the Kingdom) |
China GP Champions
class="wikitable"
! Division ! Champion ! Since | ||
Featherweight (Beijing) | {{flagicon|CHN}} Li Kai Wen | 19 December 2014 (ONE FC: Dynasty of Champions (Beijing)) |
Flyweight (Beijing) | {{flagicon|CHN}} Wei Bin Li | 19 December 2014 (ONE FC: Dynasty of Champions (Beijing)) |
Featherweight (Guangzhou) | {{flagicon|CHN}} Huang Di Yuan | 20 June 2015 (ONE: Dynasty of Champions (Guangzhou)) |
Flyweight (Guangzhou) | {{flagicon|CHN}} Wu Ze | 20 June 2015 (ONE: Dynasty of Champions (Guangzhou)) |
Featherweight (Beijing) | {{flagicon|CHN}} Yang Sen | 21 November 2015 (ONE FC: Dynasty of Champions (Beijing II)) |
Bantamweight (Changsha) | {{flagicon|CHN}} Ma Hao Bin | 23 January 2016 (ONE: Dynasty of Champions (Changsha)) |
Flyweight (Hefei) | {{flagicon|CHN}} Huo You Xia Bu | 2 July 2016 (ONE: Dynasty of Champions (Anhui)) |
Myanmar GP Champions
class="wikitable"
! Division ! Champion ! Since | ||
Featherweight | {{flagicon|MYA}} Tha Pyay Nyo | 18 July 2015 (ONE: Kingdom of Warriors) |
Lightweight | {{flagicon|MYA}} Thway Thit Aung | 18 July 2015 (ONE: Kingdom of Warriors) |
Featherweight | {{flagicon|MYA}} Phoe Thaw | 7 October 2016 (ONE: State of Warriors) |
ONE Championship records
class="wikitable" | ||
Record | Fighter | Number |
---|---|---|
Youngest fighter in ONE debut | {{flagicon|THA}} Supergirl Jaroonsak | 16 years, 9 months |
Oldest fighter in ONE debut | {{flagicon|BRA}} Renzo Gracie | 51 years, 4 months |
Youngest champion | {{flagicon|SWE}} Smilla Sundell | 17 years, 5 months |
Youngest title challenger | {{flagicon|CHN}} Zhang Peimian | 19 years, 0 months |
Oldest champion | rowspan=2|{{flagicon|MGL}} Jadamba Narantungalag | 38 years, 10 months |
Oldest title challenger | 43 years, 3 months | |
Longest championship reign | {{flagicon|USA}} Angela Lee | {{age in days|2016|5|6|2023|9|30}} days |
Shortest championship reign | {{flagicon|JPN}} Shinya Aoki | 47 days |
Most championship reigns | 4 | |
Most fights | {{flagicon|PHI}} Eduard Folayang | 23 |
Most wins | rowspan=3|{{flagicon|USA}} Michael James Sr | 17 |
Most finishes | 16 | |
Most knockouts | 12 | |
Most submissions | {{flagicon|JPN}} Shinya Aoki | 10 |
Most decision Wins | {{flagicon|THA}} Rodtang Jitmuangnon | 11 |
Most title fight wins | rowspan=3|{{flagicon|BRA}} Bibiano Fernandes | 11 |
Most title fights | 13 | |
Most cumulative title defenses | 8 | |
Most consecutive title defenses | {{flagicon|BRA}} Bibiano Fernandes, {{flagicon|CHN}} Xiong Jing Nan and {{Flagicon|THA}} Nong-O Gaiyanghadao | 7 |
Longest winning streak | {{flagicon|THA}} Rodtang Jitmuangnon | 14 |
Total Fight Time | {{flagicon|CHN}} Xiong Jing Nan | 3 hours, 13 minutes, 48 seconds. |
Fastest knockout | {{flagicon|RUS}} Timofey Nastyukhin and {{flagicon|THA}} Capitan Petchyindee | 0:06 |
Fastest submission | {{flagicon|TUR}} Dagi Arslanaliev | 0:26 |
Fastest title fight knockout | {{flagicon|USA}} Brandon Vera | 0:26 |
Latest title fight knockout | {{flagicon|SWE}} Zebaztian Kadestam | 24:32 |
Fastest title fight submission | {{flagicon|RUS}} Marat Gafurov | 0:41 |
ONE Hall of Fame
class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 95%" |
style="width:7%;" |Image
! width=3%|{{small |ISO}} ! style="width:10%;"|Name ! style="width:10%;"|Date of Induction ! style="width:10%;"|Ref. ! style="width:10%;"|Event of Induction ! class="unsortable"| ONE recognized accolades |
---|
100px
|{{flagicon|USA}} |September 6, 2024 |{{small|ONE Flyweight Champion with one successful title defense. |
100px
|{{flagicon|BRA}} |March 23, 2025 |{{small|Two-time ONE Bantamweight Champion with 8 successful title defenses, and former ONE Interim Bantamweight Champion. |
Cross-promotional partnerships
In 2017, ONE entered into a partnership with World Lethwei Championship parties agreed on sending athletes to fight in each other's organization.{{cite web |last=Dawson |first=Alan |date=2020-06-04 |title=MMA firm One Championship and the World Lethwei Championship are in talks to cross-pollinate each other's organizations |url=https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/mma-firm-one-championship-and-the-world-lethwei-championship-are-in-talks-to-cross-pollinate-each-others-organizations/articleshow/76197171.cms |access-date=2020-06-04 |website=Business Insider India}}
In January 2019, ONE entered into a partnership with Shooto, according to which Shooto champions would be given a contract with ONE Championship.{{cite web |title=Shooto enters into exclusive partnership with ONE Championship |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2019/1/25/18197840/shooto-enters-into-exclusive-partnership-with-one-championship-mma |website=mmamania.com |date=25 January 2019 |access-date=1 December 2020}}
On February 18, 2021, ONE partnered with American promotion Ringside United Fighting (RUF Nation). The partnership saw RUF hosting a Road to ONE 16-man heavyweight MMA tournament, with the winner getting a $100,000 contract to compete in ONE Championship.{{cite web|url=https://manilastandard.net/sports/sports-headlines/stuffs/347420/one-championship-partners-with-american-mma-org-ruf-nation-for-road-to-one.html|title=ONE Championship partners with American MMA org RUF Nation for 'Road To ONE'|website=Manila Standard|date=2021-02-19|access-date=2022-07-02}}{{cite web|url=https://asianmma.com/american-promotion-ruf-mma-launches-road-to-one-heavyweight-tournament/|title=RUF MMA launches Road to ONE heavyweight tournament|website=Asian MMA|date=2021-02-18|access-date=2022-07-02}}
On November 19, 2023, ONE partnered with the UK-based Muay Thai promotion Hitman Fight League. The partnership will see Hitman Fight League host two Road to ONE four-man tournaments, with the winners receiving a £5,000 cash prize and the opportunity to compete on ONE Friday Fights at Lumpinee Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz0vqdSM5dN/|title=Hitman Fight League x Road to ONE|website=Instagram|date=2023-11-19|access-date=2023-11-20}}
Controversies
Former ONE Championship fighter Herbert Burns has alleged that the promotion shows favoritism to athletes signed to Evolve MMA, which was founded by ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong. After five straight victories, he claimed that it had been agreed that he would fight for the championship, but after leaving Evolve in September 2015, he was "punished" by being sidelined for next two years. Burns said he then accepted non-title fights without being 100 percent physically because he needed money after the time off.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/12/20/18148370/titan-fc-herbert-burns-opens-up-weird-relationship-one-championship|title=Ready for Titan FC debut, Herbert Burns opens up on 'weird' relationship with ONE Championship|website=MMA Fighting|date=2018-12-20|access-date=2023-11-20}}
Other former fighters have also expressed frustration with getting fights with ONE Championship. After parting ways with them in December 2023, former ONE Bantamweight Champion Bibiano Fernandes urged fighters to think twice about signing with the promotion. "I wasn't mad at them. Do I think they could have offered me more fights? One-hundred percent. I was out for three years basically and they could have offered me more fights." Fernandes went on to say, "I'm a mixed martial arts fighter but they're doing business. They only think about business, you know? What can I do?".{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/12/23/24012748/bibiano-fernandes-parts-ways-one-advises-fighters-think-twice-before-fighting-for-them#:~:text=“Only%20I%20know%20what%20I,for%20them%20for%2011%20years.|title=Bibiano Fernandes parts ways with ONE Championship, advises fighters to 'think twice before you decide to go there'|website=MMA Fighting|date=2023-12-23|access-date=2024-11-13}} After leaving the company, former ONE two-division champion Reinier de Ridder also urged fighters not to sign with the promotion. "It's that simple. You should not. There's nothing there. There's no fights. You're just wrong if you do this, if you sign there, this is a bad mistake." After losing the light heavyweight title in December 2022, de Ridder did not fight for the entirety of 2023 before returning to defend the middleweight title in March 2024 in what was his last fight with ONE Championship. "It's been a bad couple of years. The stress I've been put through. The stress my family's been put through. To even just get fights, it hasn't been nice. It's hard for me to talk bad because I had a couple of good years at ONE as well. In the beginning, they treated me well. Over the past couple of years, it's been really bad."{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/11/10/24292508/reinier-de-ridder-warns-fighters-not-to-sign-with-one-championship-interested-khamzat-chimaev-fight|title=Reinier de Ridder warns fighters not to sign with ONE Championship, interested in Khamzat Chimaev fight|website=MMA Fighting|date=2024-11-10|access-date=2024-11-11}}
See also
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|ONE Championship}}
- {{Official website|https://www.onefc.com/}}
- [http://www.sherdog.com/organizations/One-Championship-3877 List of One Championship events] on Sherdog
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