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Line 1: {{short description\|Martial arts promoter based in Singapore}} {{mimultiple issues\|{{COI\|date=April 2024}} {{Cleanup rewrite\|date=July 2024}} {{Copy edit\|date=July 2024}}}} Line 22: }} '''One Championship''' (stylized '''ONE Championship''' or simply '''ONE'''; formerly '''One Fighting Championship''' ('''ONE FC''') until January 2015) is a [[Multinational corporation\|multinational]] [[combat sports]] [[Promoter (entertainment)\|promotion]] founded on 14 July 2011 by [[Chatri Sityodtong]] and [[Victor Cui]].<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> Originally focused on [[mixed martial arts]] (MMA), ONE events have since incorporated [[muaythai]], [[kickboxing]], and [[Submission wrestling\|submission grappling]] bouts~~; while also previously promoting [[boxing]] and [[lethwei]] matches~~. The promotion held its first event on 3 September 2011 at the [[Singapore Indoor Stadium]], and has since held [[List of ONE Championship events\|over 200 events]] across Asia.<ref name="Chinese market">{{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}}</ref> The promotion would reach aan ~~value~~evalutation of over $1 billion by October 2018.<ref name="nikkeiblood">{{Cite web\|title=Billion dollar baby: The Asian MMA unicorn taking on the UFC\|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Cover-Story/Billion-dollar-baby-The-Asian-MMA-unicorn-taking-on-the-UFC\|website=Nikkei Asian Review\|language=en-GB\|access-date=12 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|title=HOW THE WORLD'S BIGGEST SPORTS PROPERTIES ENGAGED FANS IN 2020 \|url=https://nielsensports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Nielsen-How-the-Worlds-Biggest-Sports-Properties-Engaged-Fans-in-2020.pdf \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 May 2021 \|website=Nielsen Sports \|publisher=Nielsen Holdings \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527172341/https://nielsensports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Nielsen-How-the-Worlds-Biggest-Sports-Properties-Engaged-Fans-in-2020.pdf \|archive-date=27 May 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=YEAR IN REVIEW: SPORTS CONSUMPTION EVOLUTION 2021 \|url=https://content.nielsen.com/2022/report/YearInReview/download \|access-date=2024-03-10 \|website=content.nielsen.com}}</ref> In 2022, parent company One Group Holdings, changed its legal operations from Singapore to the [[Cayman Islands]].<ref name=":0">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2024 Forbes listed One Championship as being valued at $1.3 billion, which made the fourth most valued combat sports promotion behind [[Ultimate Fighting Championship\|UFC]], [[WWE]], and [[AEW]].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Teitelbaum \|first=Justin \|title=The Most Valuable Combat Sports Promotions 2024 \|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinteitelbaum/2024/04/18/the-most-valuable-combat-sports-promotions-2024/ \|access-date=2024-10-01 \|website=Forbes \|language=en}}</ref> == History == Line 30 ⟶ 32: [[File:Chatri Sityodtong in Singapore.png\|thumb\|right\|200px\|[[Chatri Sityodtong]], founder, chairman, and CEO of One Championship]] Entrepreneur and martial artist [[Chatri Sityodtong]] stated his reasons for founding One Fighting Championship in July 2011 was that he believed that [[martial arts]] was Asia's "cultural treasure", yet there was no [[Pan-Asian]] promotion to unite the continent.<ref name="straitsfound">{{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}}</ref> "My vision is to make ONE Asia's first multi-billion-dollar sports media property. Every other region has them[...] But there is absolutely nothing like that on a pan-Asian basis."<ref name="straitsfound"/> He chose [[Singapore]] as the promotion's base because of its location and communications infrastructure.<ref name="straitsfound"/> ====First events==== One Fighting Championship held their first event, [[ONE Fighting Championship: Champion vs. Champion\|ONE FC: Champion vs. Champion]], on 3 September 2011 at the sold-out [[Singapore Indoor Stadium]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 31 March 2012, the promotion held its first female MMA fight during [[2012 in ONE Championship#ONE Fighting Championship: War of the Lions\|ONE FC: War of the Lions]] at the same stadium. It saw Nicole Chua, Singapore's first female professional MMA fighter, submit seven time Indian kickboxing champion [[Jeet Toshi]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Line 38 ⟶ 41: ===Name change and expansion: 2015–2019 === On 13 January 2015, the promotion announced it would be changing its name to simply "One Championship".<ref>{{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}}</ref> ONE Championship and [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] finalized the first "[[Trade (sports)\|trade]]" in MMA history on 27 October 2018. ONE Welterweight Champion [[Ben Askren]] was released from his contract so he could sign with the UFC and former [[List of UFC champions#Flyweight Championship\|UFC Flyweight Champion]] [[Demetrious Johnson]] was released from his contract so he could sign with ONE.<ref>{{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}}</ref> With distribution of its content to over 150 countries, ONE Championship had begun to be seen as a "[[Unicorn (finance)\|unicorn]]", an [[Unlisted public company\|unlisted company]] with a value over $1 billion, by 2018.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Suruga\|first=Tsubasa\|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Startups/UFC-s-Asian-rival-One-Championship-looks-beyond-home-market\|title=UFC's Asian rival One Championship looks beyond home market \|website=[[Nikkei Asia]]\|date=2022-09-26\|access-date=2023-01-06}}</ref> ~~====Continued expansion of fights====~~ [[File:Brandon Vera v. Mauro Cerilli Conquest of Champions.jpg\|thumb\|right\|[[Brandon Vera]], Hua Fung Teh, and Mauro Cerilli at a [[2018 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Conquest of Champions\|ONE: Conquest of Champions]] press conference, 2018]] Line 49 ⟶ 50: The promotion crowned two more inaugural champions at [[2016 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Ascent to Power\|ONE: Ascent to Power]] on 6 May 2016. [[Roger Gracie]] submitted Michal Pasternak for the inaugural [[ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship]].<ref>{{cite web \|last=Tatum\|first=Rob\|title=ONE Championship 'Ascent to Power' Results: Lee, Gracie Capture Belts \|url=https://combatpress.com/2016/05/one-championship-ascent-to-power-results/ \|website=Combat Press\|date=2016-05-06\|access-date=2023-01-01}}</ref> The inaugural [[ONE Women's Atomweight World Championship]] title match saw 19-year-old [[Angela Lee]] defeat [[Mei Yamaguchi]] to become the first female champion in ONE and one of the youngest ever titleholders in combat sports.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 13 August 2016, ONE Championship held its first grappling tournament in [[Cotai, Macau]]; One Grappling Challenge Macao took place before [[2016 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Heroes of the World\|ONE: Heroes of the World]]. Following [[International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation\|IBJJF]] no-gi rules, Angela Lee, [[Shinya Aoki]], and [[Michelle Nicolini]] were among the participants.<ref>{{cite news \|last=Sloan\|first=Mike\|title=One Championship Unveils Huge Grappling Tournament; Shinya Aoki to Compete \|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/One-Championship-Unveils-Huge-Grappling-Tournament-Shinya-Aoki-to-Compete-109503\|work=[[Sherdog]]\|date=2016-08-05\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> A "grappling super fight" with submission-only rules was held between Shinya Aoki and [[Garry Tonon]] at [[2017 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Dynasty of Heroes\|ONE: Dynasty of Heroes]] on 26 May 2017.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Holland\|first=Jesse\|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2017/3/21/15011780/shinya-aoki-vs-garry-tonon-grappling-super-fight-set-may-26-singapore-mma\|title=Shinya Aoki vs Garry Tonon grappling super fight set for May 26\|website=[[MMA Mania]] \|date=2017-03-21\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> ONE began talks of a partnership with [[World Lethwei Championship]] to share athletes to fight in each other's organization.<ref name="BusinessIndiaLeth">{{cite web\|last=Dawson\|first=Alan\|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\|title=MMA firm One Championship and the World Lethwei Championship are in talks to cross-pollinate each other's organizations\|website=[[Business Insider India]]\|date=2020-06-04\|access-date=2020-06-04}}</ref> On 30 June 2017, ONE held its second Lethwei match at [[2017 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Light of a Nation\|ONE: Light of a Nation]]. [[Thway Thit Win Hlaing]] defeated Soe Htet Oo by decision according to the [[World Lethwei Championship#Rules\|WLC point system]], where a winner must be chosen by judges decision if the fight goes the distance.<ref name="2darkmatches"/> Since then, ONE has not held any more Lethwei fights, but Sityodtong has expressed his love for the art and wanting to recruit [[Dave Leduc]] into the organization.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Dawson\|first=Alan\|url=https://www.insider.com/one-championship-would-love-to-recruit-headbutt-expert-dave-leduc-2020-4\|title=Asia's biggest MMA firm would love to recruit head-butting Lethwei 'monster' Dave Leduc once the coronavirus pandemic slows\|website=[[Business Insider]]\|date=2020-04-28\|access-date=2020-04-28\|quote=we've actually done Lethwei before on an undercard.}}</ref> On 10 November 2017, ONE Featherweight World Champion [[Martin Nguyen]] became the promotion's first simultaneous [[Double champions in MMA\|two-division champion]] when he knocked out [[Eduard Folayang]] for the ONE Lightweight World Championship at [[2017 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Legends of the World\|ONE: Legends of the World]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.onefc.com/news/martin-nguyen-makes-history-as-double-world-champion-with-knockout-of-eduard-folayang/\|title=Martin Nguyen Makes History As Double World Champion, Knocks Out Eduard Folayang\|website=ONE Championship\|date=2017-11-10\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/one-legends-of-the-world-fight-highlights-martin-nguyen-becomes-two-division-champ\|title=ONE: Legends of the World Fight Highlights – Martin Nguyen Becomes Two-Division Champ\|website=[[MMA Weekly]]\|date=2017-11-13\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> [[Xiong Jing Nan]] defeated Tiffany Teo at [[2018 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Kings of Courage\|ONE: Kings of Courage]] on 20 January 2018 to win the inaugural [[ONE Women's Strawweight World Championship]].<ref>{{cite web\|last=Richards\|first=Vince\|url=https://combatpress.com/2018/01/one-championship-kings-of-courage-results/\|title=ONE Championship Kings of Courage Results: Xiong Finishes Teo, Captures Belt\|website=Combat Press\|date=2018-01-20\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> The event also saw another submission-only "grappling super fight", this time between Shinya Aoki and [[Marat Gafurov]].<ref>{{cite web\|last=Richards\|first=Vince\|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-shinya-aoki-names-match-marat-gafurov-best-fight-one-championship-career\|title=Shinya Aoki names match with Marat Gafurov as the best fight of his ONE Championship career\|website=Sportskeeda\|date=2022-10-13\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> ONEmONE crowned its first champion in [[Muay Thai]] at [[2018 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Unstoppable Dreams\|ONE: Unstoppable Dreams]] on 18 May 2018, when [[Sam-A Gaiyanghadao]] stopped [[Sergio Wielzen]] for the inaugural [[ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship]].<ref>{{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=[[Astro (television)\|Stadium Astro]]\|date=2018-05-18\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> This was followed by ONE's first [[kickboxing]] champion at [[2018 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Battle for the Heavens\|ONE: Battle for the Heavens]] on 7 July 2018, when the inaugural [[ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Championship]] bout saw [[Kai Ting Chuang]] defeat Yodcherry Sityodtong.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 6 October 2018, [[2018 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Kingdom of Heroes\|ONE: Kingdom of Heroes]] was headlined by [[Srisaket Sor Rungvisai]] defending his [[World Boxing Council]] championship against Iran Diaz.<ref>{{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}}</ref> This is the only [[boxing]] match under the ONE Championship banner to date. [[File:Aung La N Sang.jpg\|thumb\|upright\|left\|[[Aung La Nsang]] became ONE's second simultaneous [[Double champions in MMA\|two-division champion]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Sibcy\|first=Brandon\|url=https://fansided.com/2019/06/09/aung-la-n-sangs-top-5-moments-one-championship/\|title=Aung La N Sang's top 5 moments in ONE Championship \|website=[[FanSided]]\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref>]] Line 57 ⟶ 58: February 2019 saw the inaugural [[ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship]] and [[ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship]] matches. The former took place on 16 February 2019 at [[2019 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Clash of Legends\|ONE: Clash of Legends]], where [[Nong-O Gaiyanghadao]] defeated [[Han Zihao]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.thesundaily.my/sport/nong-o-dominates-han-zi-hao-to-win-one-bantamweight-title-FA543557\|title=Nong-O dominates Han Zi Hao to win ONE Bantamweight title\|website=[[The Sun (Hong Kong)\|The Sun]]\|date=2019-02-17\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> The latter took place at [[2019 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Call to Greatness\|ONE: Call to Greatness]] on 22 February 2019, where ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion [[Stamp Fairtex]] defeated [[Janet Todd (kickboxer)\|Janet Todd]] to become the promotion's first two-sport champion.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Jennings\|first=Leon\|url=https://apmma.net/stamp-fairtex-beats-janet-todd-to-win-one-atomweight-muay-thai-title/\|title=Stamp Fairtex Beats Janet Todd To Win ONE Atomweight Muay Thai Title\|website=Asian Persuasion MMA\|date=2019-02-23\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> 2019 also saw the introduction of multiple ONE championship titles in kickboxing. The inaugural [[ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship]] match took place at [[2019 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Warriors Of Light\|ONE: Warriors of Light]] on 10 May 2019, where [[Petchdam Petchyindee Academy]] defeated [[Elias Mahmoudi]].<ref>{{cite web\|last=Wheaton\|first=Timothy \|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-one-warriors-light-took-place-may-10-2019-one-history\|title=This day in ONE Championship history: ONE: Warriors of Light took place\|website=Sportskeeda\|date=2022-05-10 \|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> The first [[ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Championship]] match took place at [[2019 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Enter the Dragon\|ONE: Enter the Dragon]] 17 May 2019, and saw [[Regian Eersel]] defeat [[Nieky Holzken]].<ref>{{cite web\|last=Goyer\|first=James \|url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/christian-lee-takes-shinya-aoki-181656599.html\|title=Christian Lee takes out Shinya Aoki, Sage Northcutt KO'd on night of crazy upsets at ONE: Enter the Dragon\|website=[[Yahoo! Sports]]\|date=2019-05-17\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> [[Roman Kryklia]] defeated [[Tarik Khbabez]] at [[2019 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Age Of Dragons\|ONE: Age of Dragons]] on 16 November 2019 to become the inaugural [[ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion]].<ref>{{cite web\|last=De Rozario\|first=James\|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-roman-kryklia-welcomes-murat-aygun-challenge-i-like-facing-guys-aggressive-attitude\|title="I like facing guys with an aggressive attitude" - Roman Kryklia welcomes Murat Aygun challenge \|website=Sportskeeda\|date=2021-12-29\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> The inaugural [[ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship]] and [[ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship]] matches both took place at [[2019 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: Mark Of Greatness\|ONE: Mark of Greatness]] on 6 December 2019. The bantamweight bout saw [[Alaverdi Ramazanov]] defeat Zhang Chenglong by unanimous decision to earn the title, and [[Sam-A Gaiyanghadao]] followed suit, winning the strawweight championship by defeating [[Wang Junguang]] by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Holland \|first=Jesse \|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2019/12/6/20999084/one-mark-greatness-results-sam-a-gaiyanghadao-alaverdi-ramazanov-capture-titles-kuala-lumpur-mma\|title=ONE 'Mark of Greatness' results: Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, Alaverdi Ramazanov capture kickboxing titles in Kuala Lumpur\|website=[[MMA Mania]] \|date=2019-12-06\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> ===Further international expansion: 2020–present=== Line 63 ⟶ 64: ====Notable fights==== [[~~Petchmorakot~~File:Stamp ~~Petchyindee~~Fairtex ~~Academy]]~~- ~~won~~Lumpinee ~~the inaugural~~Jan 2023.jpg\|thumb\|upright\|[[~~ONE~~Stamp ~~Featherweight~~Fairtex]] ~~Muay~~became ~~Thai~~ONE's ~~World~~first ~~Championship]]~~three-sport ~~over~~champion ~~[[Pongsiri~~in P2023.~~K.Saenchaimuaythaigym]]~~<ref atname="first3sport">{{cite ~~[[2020~~web in\|date=2023-09-30 \|title=ONE ~~Championship#ONE~~Fight ~~Championship~~Night 14: ~~Warrior's~~Stamp ~~Code\|ONE:~~Fairtex ~~Warrior's~~Becomes ~~Code]]~~Three onSport 7World ~~February~~Champion, ~~2020.<ref>{{Cite~~TKOs ~~news\|last=Dudko\|first=James~~Seo Hee Ham \|url=https://~~bleacherreport~~cagesidepress.com/~~articles~~2023/09/30/~~2875246-~~one-~~championship~~fight-~~2020~~night-~~warriors~~14-~~code~~stamp-~~results~~fairtex-~~and~~becomes-~~highlights\|title=ONE Championship 2020: Warrior's Code Results and Highlights\|work=[[Bleacher Report]]\|date=2020~~three-sport-world-champion-tkos-seo-01hee-07ham/ \|access-date=2023-0109-0730 \|website=Cageside Press}}</ref> ~~ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion~~]]17-year-old [[~~Sam-A~~Smilla ~~Gaiyanghadao~~Sundell]] became athe ~~two-sport~~youngest champion ~~on 28 February 2020 at [[2020~~ in ONE ~~Championship#ONE~~history ~~Championship:~~on ~~King~~22 ofApril ~~the~~2022, ~~Jungle\|ONE:~~when ~~King~~she ofdefeated ~~the~~[[Jackie ~~Jungle~~Buntan]], ~~where~~at he[[ONE ~~beat Rocky Ogden~~156]] for the inaugural [[ONE Women's Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship]].<ref>{{cite web\|last=Atkin \|first=Nicolas\|url=https://~~english~~www.~~stadiumastro~~scmp.com/~~sports~~sport/martial-~~others~~arts/~~legendary~~mixed-~~sam~~martial-~~underdog~~arts/article/3175258/one-~~josh~~championship-~~tonna~~156-~~have~~smilla-~~plenty~~sundell-~~stake-world-title-clash-177498~~becomes\|title=~~Legendary~~ONE Championship 156: ~~Sam~~Smilla Sundell becomes youngest title-A,holder ~~Underdog~~in ~~Josh~~history, ~~Tonna~~dominating ~~Have~~Jackie ~~Plenty~~Buntan Atto ~~Stake~~win Instrawweight ~~World~~Muay ~~Title~~Thai ~~Clash~~belt\|website=[[~~Astro~~South ~~(television)\|Stadium~~China Morning ~~Astro~~Post]]\|date=~~2020~~2022-1004-0922\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> In May 2021, ONE Championship announced that [[Gordon Ryan]] was due to debut in the promotion in a grappling match with [[Shinya Aoki]] to be held in August of that year.<ref>{{cite web \|last=Lee\|first=Alexander K.\|title=Gordon Ryan to make ONE Championship debut in grappling match against Shinya Aoki on Aug. 27 \|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/5/10/22428652/gordon-ryan-to-make-one-championship-debut-in-grappling-match-against-shinya-aoki-on-aug-27 \|website=[[MMA Fighting]]\|date=2021-05-10\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> However, the match never materialized due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and Ryan's health issues.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Taylor\|first=Tom\|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3203193/gordon-ryan-says-he-felt-really-bad-leaving-one-championship-still-open-grappling-ruotolo-brothers\|title=Gordon Ryan says he 'felt really bad' leaving ONE Championship, still open to grappling Ruotolo brothers \|website=[[South China Morning Post]]\|date=2022-12-14\|access-date=2023-01-06}}</ref> [[Superbon Singha Mawynn]] became the inaugural [[ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion]] by knocking out [[Giorgio Petrosyan]] at [[2021 in ONE Championship#ONE Championship: First Strike\|ONE: First Strike]] on 15 October 2021.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Presnell\|first=Chris \|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-relive-superbon-s-epic-head-kick-knockout-legendary-giorgio-petrosyan\|title=Relive Superbon's epic head-kick knockout of legendary Giorgio Petrosyan\|website=Sportskeeda \|date=2023-01-05\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> ONE awarded their first belt for submission grappling on 1 October 2022 at [[ONE on Prime Video 2]], where [[Mikey Musumeci]] defeated Cleber Souza for the [[ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Championship]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[File:Stamp Fairtex - Lumpinee Jan 2023.jpg\|thumb\|upright\|[[Stamp Fairtex]] became ONE's first three-sport champion in 2023.<ref name="first3sport">{{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}}</ref>]]At [[ONE: X]], an event to celebrate the organization's tenth anniversary, [[Mei Yamaguchi]] faced [[Danielle Kelly (grappler)\|Danielle Kelly]] and [[Reinier de Ridder]] faced [[André Galvão]] in a pair of grappling matches on 26 March 2022.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Caulfield\|first=Kevin\|url=https://jiujitsutimes.com/danielle-kelly-announces-one-championship-debut-at-march-26-one-x/\|title=Danielle Kelly Announces ONE Championship Debut At March 26 ONE: X\|website=Jiu-Jitsu Times\|date=2022-03-04 \|access-date=2022-03-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|last=Martin\|first=Damon\|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/3/3/22959566/two-division-champ-reinier-de-ridder-faces-andre-galvao-in-submission-grappling-match-at-one-x\|title=Two-division champ Reinier de Ridder faces Andre Galvao in submission grappling match at ONE X\|website=[[MMA Fighting]]\|date=2022-03-03\|access-date=2022-03-05}}</ref> 17-year-old [[Smilla Sundell]] became the youngest champion in ONE history on 22 April 2022, when she defeated [[Jackie Buntan]] at [[ONE 156]] for the inaugural [[ONE Women's Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> ONE held its first event in America, [[ONE Fight Night 10]], at the [[1stBank Center]] in [[Broomfield, Colorado]] on 5 May 2023. Colorado was chosen because its athletic commission was the first to approve ONE's rule set.<ref name="USdebut">{{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}}</ref> The organization had initially planned on debuting in the US years prior, but was ultimately delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web \|last=Dawson \|first=Alan \|title=One Championship would have debuted in the US if it weren't for current 'strange' times, but is one day away from its greatest pandemic-era event anyway \|url=https://www.insider.com/coronavirus-delayed-one-championship-us-debut-inside-the-matrix-2020-10 \|publisher=Insider \|date=2020-10-29}}</ref> ▼ ONE awarded their first belt for submission grappling on 1 October 2022 at [[ONE on Prime Video 2]], where [[Mikey Musumeci]] defeated Cleber Souza for the [[ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Championship]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion [[Regian Eersel]] became a two-sport champion when he defeated [[Sinsamut Klinmee]] for the inaugural [[ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Championship]] at [[ONE on Prime Video 3]] on 22 October 2022.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://blackbeltmag.com/eersel-one-fc\|title=Eersel Recalls Two-Sport Title Win At ONE on Prime Video 3 \|website=[[Black Belt (magazine)\|Black Belt]]\|date=2022-11-01\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> The same event saw [[Kade Ruotolo]] win the inaugural [[ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Championship]] over [[Uali Kurzhev]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://blackbeltmag.com/kade-ruotolo\|title=ONE Championship Names Kade Ruotolo Submission Grappling Athlete Of The Year \|website=[[Black Belt (magazine)\|Black Belt]]\|date=2023-01-06\|access-date=2023-01-07}}</ref> ▲ONE held its first event in America, [[ONE Fight Night 10]], at the [[1stBank Center]] in [[Broomfield, Colorado]] on 5 May 2023. Colorado was chosen because its athletic commission was the first to approve ONE's rule set.<ref name="USdebut">{{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}}</ref> The organization had initially planned on debuting in the US years prior, but was ultimately delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web \|last=Dawson \|first=Alan \|title=One Championship would have debuted in the US if it weren't for current 'strange' times, but is one day away from its greatest pandemic-era event anyway \|url=https://www.insider.com/coronavirus-delayed-one-championship-us-debut-inside-the-matrix-2020-10 \|publisher=Insider \|date=2020-10-29}}</ref> ==Overview and broadcasters == ONE Championship is operated by Group ONE Holdings, whose leadership and executive team are [[chairman]] and [[chief executive officer]] [[Chatri Sityodtong]], [[vice chairman]] [[Saurabh Mittal]], group [[President (corporate title)\|president]] Hua Fung Teh, and [[chief financial officer]] Jesley Chua.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://groupone-holdings.com/#senior-leadership\|title=Senior Leadership\|publisher=Official Group ONE Holdings website\|access-date=11 December 2022}}</ref> Matches are made by matchmaker and Vice President of Operations, [[Matt Hume]]. In May 2014, former [[List of UFC champions#Middleweight Championship\|UFC Middleweight Champion]] [[Rich Franklin]] became a vice president of ONE Championship.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The referees include Olivier Coste, Mohamad Sulaiman, Kemp Cheng and Justin Brown for MMA matches and Elias Dolaptsis for Muay Thai and Kickboxing matches. The ring announcer for ONE Championship is Dom Lau. The regular colour commentators for the English-language television broadcasts are Mitch Chilson, Brent Stover,<ref>{{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}}</ref> and Rich Franklin,<ref>{{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}}</ref> although [[Josh Thomson]], [[Jason Chambers]], [[Bas Rutten]] and [[Renzo Gracie]] have appeared as guest commentators. Former commentators include [[Michael Schiavello]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|title=Michael Schiavello LinkedIn \|url=https://au.linkedin.com/in/michael-schiavello-636bb9116}}</ref>{{better source needed\|date=June 2023}} Line 77 ⟶ 75: ONE co-founder [[Victor Cui]] was CEO International until leaving the organization in early 2022 to become president and CEO of the [[Edmonton Elks]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Former [[List of Strikeforce champions#Women's Bantamweight Championship\|Strikeforce]] and [[List of UFC champions#Women's Bantamweight Championship\|UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion]] [[Miesha Tate]] was a vice president of ONE from 2018 until 2021, when she returned to active competition as a fighter.<ref>{{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}}</ref> ONE fights have been broadcast by [[RCTI]] (2015–2017), [[GTV (Indonesian TV network)\|GTV]] (2012, repeat only for 2020–2021), [[iNews]] (2015–2017, repeat only for 2020–present), [[Moji (TV network)\|Moji]] (repeat only for 2022–2023, delayed in 2024-present), [[Indosiar]] (delayed in 2013–2014), [[SCTV (TV network)\|SCTV]] (delayed in 2018–2022), [[Vidio]] (live in 2018–2022, ~~2024-present~~2024–present), Netverse (live in 2022–2023), [[NET (Indonesian TV network)\|NET.]] (delayed in 2022–2023) and [[BTV (Indonesia)\|BTV]] (repeat only for 2022–present) in [[Indonesia]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Channel 5 (Singaporean TV channel)\|MediaCorp Channel 5]] (temporarily) in [[Singapore]],<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Singapores-One-FC-Launches-Gracies-Filipino-Champs-Aboard-33963 \|title=Singapore's One FC Launches; Gracies, Filipino Champs Aboard\|website=[[Sherdog]]\|access-date=28 July 2013}}</ref> [[ABS-CBN Sports and Action\|ABS-CBN S+A]]/[[TV5 Network\|TV5]]/[[One Sports]]/[[Liga (TV channel)\|LIGA Channel]] in the [[Philippines]],<ref>{{cite tweet\|user=OneSportsPHL\|number=1177457802798723072 \|title=ONE full day of non-stop action featuring 28 MMA world champions, and a total of seven world title bouts in two stacked cards. This is #ONECentury! \|date=26 September 2019}}</ref> MyTV in [[Cambodia]],<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.phnompenhpost.com/sport/mytv-screen-live-one-fc-events \|title=MyTV to screen live ONE FC events \|work=The Phnom Penh Post\|access-date=28 July 2013}}</ref> [[Astro Arena (TV channel)\|Astro Arena]], [[TV9 (Malaysian TV network)\|TV9]]<ref>{{cite web\|title=ONE Fighting Championship Inks Official Partnership With Malaysia's TV9\|url=http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v7/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=1009357\|agency=Bernama\|access-date=2 February 2014\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203144903/http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v7/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=1009357\|archive-date=3 February 2014\|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Radio Televisyen Malaysia\|RTM]]<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.budiey.com/siaran-one-championship-2018-di-rtm/\|title=Siaran ONE CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 di RTM – Sensasi Selebriti\|website=budiey.com\|date=25 October 2018 \|language=en-US\|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> in [[Malaysia]], [[Workpoint TV]], [[Thairath TV]] (2016–2022) and [[Channel 7 (Thailand)\|Channel 7]] (2023–present) in [[Thailand]], [[TV Tokyo]] and [[AbemaTV]] in [[Japan]]. On 30 January 2012, they signed a 10-year deal with [[ESPN Star Sports]].<ref name="mmaweekly.com">{{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}}</ref> ONE made its PPV debut at [[List of ONE Championship events#ONE Fighting Championship: Rise of Kings\|ONE Fighting Championship: Rise of Kings]] via iN DEMAND, Avail-TVN, DirecTV and Dish.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2012/9/15/lifeliving/11974956&sec=lifeliving\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012044649/http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=%2F2012%2F9%2F15%2Flifeliving%2F11974956&sec=lifeliving\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=12 October 2012\|title=Fight on, bro\|work=The Star\|location=Malaysia\|access-date=15 September 2012}}</ref> Line 143 ⟶ 141: * Aggression and cage/ring generalship (superior positioning) === Submission grappling === ONE utilizes the Global Submission Grappling Rule Set.<ref name="rules"/> Matches consist of a single 10 minute round. Victory can be obtained by submission, verbal tapout, referee stoppage "due to imminent danger", request for stoppage by cornerman, or by judges' decision.<ref name="rules"/> Three judges score the bout by the number of catches, or "legitimate" submission attempts. If there are an equal number of catches, the grappler who was awarded the last catch will be named the winner. If there are no catches, the judges will award victory to the athlete who showed more aggression.<ref name="rules"/> [[Yellow card (sport)\|Yellow cards]] are issued to grapplers who stall. Once an athlete is issued a yellow card, the only way that athlete can win is by submission.<ref name="rules"/> Prior to May 20, 2022, submission grappling matches could only be won via submission and were automatically declared a draw after a 12 minute time limit.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.ibtimes.com/one-championship-prioritizes-finishes-major-rule-change-submission-grappling-3478285\|title=ONE Championship Prioritizes 'Finishes' With Major Rule Change In Submission Grappling\|website=International Business Times\|date=2022-04-19\|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref> Line 193 ⟶ 191: 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The promotion banned weight-cutting by dehydration in order to promote fighter safety.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> as well as other stakeholders in the MMA industry.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/4/27/18519247/joe-rogan-ufc-shouldve-adopted-one-fcs-weight-cut-policy-a-long-time-ago-mma-news\|title=Rogan: UFC should've adopted ONE FC's weight cut policy a long time ago\|first=Milan\|last=Ordoñez\|date=27 April 2019\|website=Bloody Elbow}}</ref> Line 232 ⟶ 230: \|[[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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The most recent edition of the ONE Warrior series in its initial format was [[2020 in ONE Championship#ONE Warrior Series 10\|ONE Warrior Series 10]], which aired on February 19, 2020. ====ONE Warrior Series: Philippines==== Line 252 ⟶ 253: {{Main\|List of current ONE fighters\|List of ONE Championship alumni}} In May 2022, Sityodtong stated ONE Championship had 600 fighters in the organization.<ref>{{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 ~~UFC~~UFA comparisons\|publisher=Sportskeeda\|date=11 May 2022\|access-date=11 December 2012}}</ref> ===Fighter salary=== Line 273 ⟶ 274: {{Main\|ONE Championship Rankings}} The rankings for ONE Championship's fighters are both recorded and updated when information has been obtained from the promotion's ice cream official website.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Rankings {{!}} ONE\|url=https://www.onefc.com/rankings/\|access-date=25 November 2020\|website=www.onefc.com}}</ref> ==Current champions== Line 360 ⟶ 361: !Record!!Fighter!!Number \|- \|Youngest fighter in ONE debut\|\|{{flagicon\|THA}} Supergirl Jaroonsak\|\|166 years, 9 months \|- \|Oldest fighter in ONE debut\|\|{{flagicon\|BRA}} [[Renzo Gracie]]\|\|51 years, 4 months Line 414 ⟶ 415: ==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.<ref name="BusinessIndiaLeth">{{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]]}}</ref> In January 2019, ONE entered into a partnership with [[Shooto]], according to which Shooto champions would be given a contract with ONE Championship.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Line 423 ⟶ 424: ==Financials== Per the company's 2021 publicly available financial statements, the company has generated an accumulated net loss of US$383 millions~~. The company's dire financial performance and rumored potential bankruptcy have been widely reported by the MMA journal, Bloody Elbow~~.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2022-10-04 \|title=ONE Championship reports record high $110 million in losses for 2021, $383 million in total \|url=https://bloodyelbow.com/2022/10/04/finances-one-championship-reports-record-high-110-million-in-losses-2021-383-million-total-mma-news/ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225162737/https://bloodyelbow.com/2022/10/04/finances-one-championship-reports-record-high-110-million-in-losses-2021-383-million-total-mma-news/ \|archive-date=2023-12-25 \|access-date=2023-11-06 \|website=Bloody Elbow \|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Tech in Asia - Connecting Asia's startup ecosystem \|url=https://www.techinasia.com/championship-62m-lost-131m-2019 \|access-date=2024-09-25 \|website=www.techinasia.com \|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2021-02-04 \|title=One Championship losses 'hit $98m' in 2019 despite 67-per-cent revenue increase \|url=https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/one-championship-losses-hit-98m-in-2019-despite-revenues-up-67-per-cent/ \|access-date=2024-09-25 \|website=SportBusiness \|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Tech in Asia - Connecting Asia's startup ecosystem \|url=https://www.techinasia.com/ring-championships-financials \|access-date=2024-09-25 \|website=www.techinasia.com \|language=en-US}}</ref> When confronted with questions related to the poor financial performance and non-standard financial reporting, Chatri Sityodtong has repeatedly avoided directly answering reporters on the matter.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2021-09-17 \|title=Chatri Sityodtong dodges questions on ONE Championship's losses, curious financial transactions \|url=https://bloodyelbow.com/2021/09/17/chatri-sityodtong-dodges-questions-on-one-championships-losses-curious-financial-transactions-mma/ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124213851/https://bloodyelbow.com/2021/09/17/chatri-sityodtong-dodges-questions-on-one-championships-losses-curious-financial-transactions-mma/ \|archive-date=2023-11-24 \|access-date=2023-11-06 \|website=Bloody Elbow \|language=en}}</ref> There is also an ongoing question regarding what portion of the company's reported revenue is actually from non-cash barter transactions, due to an unexplained US$400,000,000 barter transaction with a [[subsidiary]] for "intellectual property rights".<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2021-09-14 \|title=ONE Championship's 2020 finances: $48 million more in losses, and a curious $400 million transaction \|url=https://bloodyelbow.com/2021/09/14/one-championships-2020-finances-48-million-more-in-losses-and-a-curious-400-million-transaction-mma/ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124213805/https://bloodyelbow.com/2021/09/14/one-championships-2020-finances-48-million-more-in-losses-and-a-curious-400-million-transaction-mma/ \|archive-date=2023-11-24 \|access-date=2023-11-06 \|website=Bloody Elbow \|language=en}}</ref> Financial scrutiny of ONE Championship has increased since 2018, particularly regarding its accounting practices. The organization's barter transactions, previously a distinct category, have been integrated into broadcasting and sponsorship revenue. This change has made it more difficult to discern the proportion of revenue derived from cash versus non-cash transactions, potentially obscuring the organization's financial health.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gift \|first=Paul \|title=MMA Finances: Charting ONE Championship's Financial Metrics Since Its Inception \|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulgift/2018/10/23/mma-finances-key-one-championship-financial-metrics-since-inception/ \|access-date=2024-09-25 \|website=Forbes \|language=en}}</ref> According to Kristie Neo from [[DealStreetAsia]], ~~financial projections indicated that ONE Championship's financial resources could be depleted by the third quarter of 2024.~~ The organization reportedly generated revenue between $~~5-8~~5–8 million in 2022, a modest figure for a promotion of its size. ONE Championship also faced organizational challenges, implementing two rounds of layoffs between March and July 2023, affecting 12 to 15 staff members each time.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Updated: ONE Championship said to have made new pitch to QIA for extra funding \|url=https://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/one-championship-qia-extra-funding-371455 \|access-date=2023-11-27 \|website=DealStreetAsia \|language=en}}</ref> In 2021, ONE secured significant funding, raising $150 million through investments from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Guggenheim Investments. Despite this influx of capital, reports as of November 2023 suggest that these funds are nearly exhausted. Furthermore, investment enthusiasm in Qatar has waned, with key local partners [[Qatar Airways]] and [[Ooredoo]] discontinuing their financial backing. This withdrawal of support has led to the postponement of a planned ONE event in Qatar, which later took place 2024.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2023-11-23 \|title=ONE Championship's financial 'runway expected to expire' in 2024, more staff laid off – Report \|url=https://bloodyelbow.com/2023/11/23/one-championship-finances-layoffs/ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106030538/https://bloodyelbow.com/2023/11/23/one-championship-finances-layoffs/ \|archive-date=2024-01-06 \|access-date=2023-11-26 \|website=Bloody Elbow}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3242091/one-championship-moves-qatar-debut-confirms-japan-return-early-2024\|title=ONE Championship moves Qatar debut, confirms Japan return for early 2024\|website=South China Morning Post\|date=2023-11-19\|access-date=2023-11-26}}</ref> In October 2024, Group One Holdings, the company behind One Championship, was able to secure $50 million from investors, including QIA.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Poh \|first=Gillian Tan, Olivia \|date=2024-10-15 \|title=QIA Is Said to Join $50 Million Funding Round for UFC Rival Group One \|url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/company-news/2024/10/15/qia-is-said-to-join-50-million-funding-round-for-ufc-rival-group-one/ \|access-date=2024-10-15 \|website=BNN Bloomberg \|language=en}}</ref> ==Controversies == In a November 27, 2023 interview with the MMA Hour, amid the acquisition of [[Bellator MMA]] by the [[Professional Fighters League]], Bellator exec Mike Kogan claimed ONE was close to going out of business, calling the promotion a ten-year start-up. "I've been at this sport for a long time. I don't have it in me to start from scratch. There just isn't anybody else. If you don't go to PFL, obviously, I'm not getting hired by the UFC. ONE FC pissed away $600 million and is about to go out of business, where do you go? They're gonna go out of business. These people scammed everybody they could scam. It's the truth. I mean come on. Ten years. You can't be a start-up for ten years. At some point, you've got to start showing something. So, they're gonna go out, so where's there to go? There's nowhere else to go."<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2023/11/27/23978594/bellator-exec-claims-one-championship-about-to-go-out-of-business-theyve-run-out-of-people-scam\|title=Bellator Exec claims ONE Championship ‘about to go out of business’ — ‘They’ve run out of people to scam’\|website=MMA Mania\|date=2023-11-27\|access-date=2024-09-15}}</ref> ===2020-21 Bloody Elbow report=== ~~==Controversies and allegations of favoritism ==~~ On December 9, 2020, and January 6, 2021, ''[[Bloody Elbow]]'' published a two-part article detailing numerous allegations surrounding ONE Championship, mainly mistreatment of former fighters and employees.<ref name="bloodyelbow" /> Line 447: ONE's relationship with Evolve MMA, both founded by Chatri Sityodtong, is criticized for potential favoritism and conflicts of interest. Herbert Burns, formerly with ONE and Evolve, highlighted issues with media control and biased matchmaking in favor of Evolve fighters. Claims suggest that Evolve’s business model and marketing strategies, including targeting high-earning professionals, raise further concerns about the intertwined nature of Evolve and ONE.<ref name="bloodyelbow-2">{{cite web\|url=https://bloodyelbow.com/2021/01/06/blatant-mismatches-questionable-claims-fighters-employees-serious-allegations-one-championship/\|title=Blatant mismatches and favoritism — Fighters and employees throw serious allegations at ONE Championship\|website=Bloody Elbow\|date=2021-01-06\|access-date=2023-11-20}}</ref> ===2023 Bibiano Fernandes comments=== After parting ways with ONE in December 2023, former ONE bantamweight champion [[Bibiano Fernandes]] told MMA Fighting he wasn't notified that the promotion wouldn't be offered a new contract and was inactive leading up to his release. During his interview, Fernandes urged fighters to think twice about signing with ONE Championship. "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. Was I a bit upset? I was, but that's life. Many people in the world work hard, give their lives for the company they work for, and in the end [the company] owners say 'Thank you for your work,' and that's it. I was sad but what can I do? Life goes on." 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?" He also urged aspiring fighters to think twice if they considered with ONE, "Many athletes go through difficulties. If you're a fighter and you're thinking about fighting for ONE Championship, brother, think twice before you decide to go there."<ref>{{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}}</ref> ===2024 Reinier de Ridder comments=== Former two-division ONE world champion [[Reinier de Ridder]] further strengthened these allegations, addressing the difficulty of getting fights with ONE during his post-fight press conference at [[UFC Vegas 100]]. "This is something I feel I have to do for other fighters—if you're thinking of signing with ONE Championship, don't," de Ridder said, "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 ONE light heavyweight title in December 2022, de Ridder did not fight for the entirety of 2023 before returning to defend the ONE 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, In the beginning, they treated me well. Over the past couple of years, it's been really bad."<ref>{{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}}</ref> ==See also== Line 459 ⟶ 465: == External links == {{Commons ~~cat~~category\|ONE Championship}} * {{Official website\|https://www.onefc.com/}} * [http://www.sherdog.com/organizations/One-Championship-3877 List of One Championship events] on [[Sherdog]] Line 472 ⟶ 478: [[Category:2011 establishments in Singapore]] [[Category:Mixed martial arts in Singapore]] [[Category:Kickboxing in Singapore]] [[Category:Sports organisations of Singapore]] [[Category:Mixed martial arts ~~organizations~~promotions]] [[Category:Sports organizations established in 2011]] [[Category:Kickboxing organizations]]