ONE Championship: Redefining Martial Arts on the Global Stage

Introduction

ONE Championship stands as Asia’s premier martial arts organization, recognized worldwide for its unique approach to combat sports. Unlike other major promotions, ONE blends MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, submission grappling, and traditional martial arts disciplines under a single umbrella. With a commitment to honoring the true spirit of martial arts, the promotion has gained a reputation for its emphasis on values, discipline, and respect, rather than mere entertainment. Since its inception, ONE Championship has expanded exponentially, securing its place as a global powerhouse in the combat sports industry.

Origins and Foundation

Founded in 2011 by Chatri Sityodtong and Victor Cui, ONE Championship emerged at a time when mixed martial arts (MMA) was booming in North America but lacked a strong foothold in Asia. While the UFC had successfully built a global empire, Asia—a region historically rich in martial arts traditions—was yet to have a world-class promotion that resonated with its cultural roots.

Chatri, a former investment banker turned martial arts entrepreneur, envisioned a promotion that would pay homage to traditional Asian martial arts while modernizing the industry. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE Championship launched with a clear mission:

  • To celebrate Asian martial arts heritage
  • To create role models through martial arts
  • To inspire billions around the world with real-life heroes

The first event, ONE Fighting Championship: Champion vs. Champion, took place on September 3, 2011, in Singapore, marking the beginning of a new era in combat sports.

Evolution and Growth

In the years following its debut, ONE Championship quickly expanded beyond Singapore, holding events in Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, China, Japan, and Indonesia. Unlike Western promotions that focused primarily on MMA, ONE integrated a multi-discipline format, featuring bouts in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling, making it stand out in the competitive world of combat sports.

The promotion also introduced the ONE Super Series in 2018, a dedicated platform for striking-based martial arts, which brought in some of the world’s most elite strikers from Muay Thai and kickboxing. Legends such as Giorgio Petrosyan, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, and Nong-O Gaiyanghadao became household names through their performances in ONE’s signature circular cage and ring.

Through strategic partnerships and aggressive expansion, ONE secured broadcast deals across 150+ countries, with major networks including Amazon Prime Video, Star Sports, and AbemaTV. The organization’s ability to mix high-level combat sports with inspirational storytelling has played a crucial role in its growing popularity.

Key Divisions and Programming

ONE Championship’s content strategy revolves around martial arts entertainment and sports integrity, with a programming mix that caters to diverse audiences:

1. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

MMA remains the core of ONE’s identity, featuring world-class athletes in various weight divisions. Unlike the Western rule set, ONE MMA fights incorporate soccer kicks, knees to the head of a grounded opponent, and an emphasis on finishing fights rather than point-fighting.

Notable ONE MMA Champions:

  • Demetrious Johnson – One of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, now dominating the Flyweight division.
  • Christian Lee – A dominant force in the Lightweight and Welterweight divisions.
  • Angela Lee – A pioneer for female MMA in Asia and former Atomweight champion.

2. ONE Super Series (Muay Thai & Kickboxing)

ONE’s striking division is among the most prestigious in the world, showcasing elite fighters in both Muay Thai and kickboxing under unique rule sets. The Muay Thai fights feature 4oz gloves, making them more fast-paced and action-packed.

Notable ONE Super Series Champions:

  • Rodtang Jitmuangnon – The most electrifying Muay Thai fighter of his generation.
  • Superbon Singha Mawynn – A dominant force in kickboxing.
  • Nong-O Gaiyanghadao – A Muay Thai legend with an unbeaten ONE Championship record.

3. Submission Grappling

Recognizing the rise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and no-gi grappling, ONE introduced a submission grappling division, attracting elite practitioners such as:

  • Mikey Musumeci – BJJ phenom and reigning ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling Champion.
  • Kade Ruotolo – Young prodigy and ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling Champion.

This move has positioned ONE as a trailblazer in global grappling competitions, further diversifying its martial arts ecosystem.

Ownership and Business Model

ONE Championship operates under Group ONE Holdings, which encompasses multiple businesses including ONE Esports and ONE Studios. The organization is backed by major investors such as:

  • Sequoia Capital
  • Temasek Holdings
  • Iconiq Capital
  • Mitsui & Co.

Unlike traditional combat sports promotions that rely heavily on pay-per-view sales, ONE Championship follows a broadcast-rights-driven model, partnering with global networks and streaming platforms. The free-to-air and digital-first approach allows it to reach millions of viewers worldwide, making it one of the most-watched martial arts promotions.

Cultural Impact and Philosophy

ONE Championship is unique in its focus on values such as honor, humility, and discipline, distinguishing itself from the more hype-driven, trash-talking culture seen in Western MMA organizations. This philosophy has helped cultivate positive role models among its athletes, influencing the next generation of martial artists.

Additionally, the organization has been instrumental in:

  • Empowering Asian martial arts traditions
  • Promoting gender equality in combat sports
  • Inspiring youth through real-life stories of perseverance and success

Through initiatives such as the ONE Warrior Series—which discovers and nurtures young talent—the promotion ensures a constant influx of high-caliber fighters from different martial arts backgrounds.

Future Outlook and Expansion

ONE Championship continues to expand its global footprint, with ambitious plans for:

  • Breaking into the U.S. market – Recent partnerships with Amazon Prime Video mark its first major step.
  • Developing new talent – Continued focus on scouting young, promising fighters through local events.
  • Enhancing digital presence – Increased investment in digital content, esports, and virtual reality experiences.
  • Exploring crossover events – Potential collaborations with organizations like UFC, Bellator, and RIZIN.

With an ever-growing audience and a mission-driven approach to martial arts, ONE Championship is poised to become a dominant force in the global combat sports industry.

Conclusion

ONE Championship has redefined what it means to be a martial arts organization, blending tradition, innovation, and high-octane action. With its focus on authenticity, respect, and athletic excellence, the promotion has set a new benchmark in combat sports. Whether through its thrilling fights, elite athletes, or commitment to inspiring millions, ONE Championship continues to push boundaries, proving that martial arts is not just about fighting—it’s about honor, integrity, and the pursuit of greatness.