Wikipedia - ONE Championship

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. Originally focused on mixed martial arts (MMA), ONE events have since incorporated muay thai, 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. In 2022, parent company One Group Holdings, changed its legal operations from Singapore to the Cayman Islands.

History

Founding and early history: 2011–2014

Chatri Sityodtong, 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. The promotion debuted on 3 September 2011 with ONE FC: Champion vs. Champion, selling out the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Key milestones included the first female MMA bout in March 2012 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 and 2014.

Name change and expansion: 2015–2019

Brandon Vera, Hua Fung Teh, and Mauro Cerilli at a ONE: Conquest of Champions press conference, 2018

Rebranded as ONE Championship in 2015, the promotion expanded into new disciplines and markets. It introduced the strawweight title (Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, 2015), hosted its first Lethwei bout (2015), and crowned heavyweight (Brandon Vera, 2015), light heavyweight (Roger Gracie, 2016), and women's atomweight (Angela Lee, 2016) champions. A historic 2018 trade with the UFC exchanged Ben Askren for Demetrious Johnson. The promotion also launched Muay Thai (Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, 2018) and kickboxing titles (Kai Ting Chuang, 2018), and hosted its sole boxing match (Srisaket Sor Rungvisai vs. Iran Diaz, 2018).

Further international expansion: 2020–Present

Stamp Fairtex became ONE's first three-sport champion in 2023.

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) and debuted in the U.S. with ONE Fight Night 10 (2023). Notable milestones included Smilla Sundell becoming the youngest champion (17) in 2022 and a 2023 agreement to host events in Qatar.

**ONE Championship: The Ultimate Showcase of Martial Arts Excellence**

ONE Championship is a premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization that has redefined the landscape of combat sports in Asia and beyond. Founded in 2011, ONE Championship has quickly risen to prominence, showcasing the world's best martial artists across various disciplines, including Muay Thai, kickboxing, and traditional grappling arts.

**Event Highlights:**

- **World-Class Athletes:** ONE Championship features a diverse roster of elite fighters from around the globe, representing a multitude of martial arts backgrounds. Fans can witness the skills of seasoned champions and rising stars as they compete for prestigious titles and honor in the cage.

- **Cultural Celebration:** Each event is a vibrant celebration of martial arts culture, incorporating elements of traditional Asian heritage, music, and entertainment. ONE Championship events are not just fights; they are immersive experiences that honor the rich history and philosophy of martial arts.

- **Innovative Fight Formats:** ONE Championship is known for its unique fight formats, including the use of a circular cage, which promotes dynamic and engaging bouts. The organization also emphasizes athlete safety and well-being, implementing strict regulations and medical protocols.

- **Global Reach:** With a commitment to expanding the sport of MMA, ONE Championship broadcasts its events to millions of fans worldwide, making it one of the most accessible and widely viewed martial arts organizations. The promotion has successfully held events in various countries, bringing together diverse audiences and fostering a global community of fight enthusiasts.

- **Empowerment and Inspiration:** ONE Championship is dedicated to empowering athletes and inspiring fans through the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance. The organization highlights the personal stories of its fighters, showcasing their journeys and the challenges they overcome in pursuit of greatness.

Join us for the next ONE Championship event, where the spirit of martial arts comes alive, and witness the thrill of high-stakes competition as the best fighters in the world battle for glory and honor in the cage!