One Championship is planning to double its roster of fighters and stage around 80 shows in 2020
- One CEO Chatri Sityodtong wants his fights available ‘everywhere and anywhere at all times’
- Four shows per year in each core Asian market but company sees chance to plant a flag in the US
One Championship plans to stage about 80 martial arts shows in 2020, and the MMA promotion will roughly double its roster of fighters to do it.
One CEO Chatri Sityodtong revealed his latest plans for ambitious expansion on Wednesday. The promotion is putting on 45 events this year in Asia, but will sharply increase its schedule next year. One also will continue to keep its fights freely available to much of the world in response to what Sityodtong describes as a global desire from its broadcasters for more fighting content.
The Singapore-based organisation will still focus on its core Asian markets, but Sityodtong also is in discussions with broadcast partner Turner Sports to stage its first US show next year.
“Definitely a very tough task, but I think it’s very doable, knock on wood,” Sityodtong said of his expansion plans. “We’re on this rocket ship, and I’ve just got to hold on.”
By comparison, the UFC has 43 events currently on its 2019 schedule. One’s expansion comes while the UFC is making a push into Asia, including the opening of a US$13 million performance institute in Shanghai to develop Chinese athletes.