In an interview with the Sports Business Journal, ONE Championship’s Chatri Sityodtong talked about the company’s inroads into the United States.
The company’s Founder and CEO described ONE as the power in the Eastern hemisphere and the UFC as the power in the Western hemisphere to comprise of a global duopoly in the field of MMA. However, he distinguishes his product as more than just MMA as it also includes boxing, kickboxing and other forms of martial arts.
ONE Championship believes it can differentiate itself from other MMA promotions by focusing more on the spirit of martial arts rather than the violence and controversy. Notably, Sityodtong stated that even if Conor McGregor were a free agent, he would not sign him.
With the company opening satellite offices in New York and Los Angeles, the speculation is that a stateside card will occur sooner than later. Sityodtong stated that they are searching for a U.S. president to head ONE Championship operations. As far as an event in the U.S. the company is taking “baby steps” per Sityodtong.
Payout Perspective:
We may have to wait a while to see how the ONE expansion has done in the U.S. Certainly, doing a slow roll-out may be prudent considering the competition in the market and gaging what will work with U.S. audiences. It’s clear with the money they are investing into the U.S., the plan will be to market something as an alternative to the UFC. Will it work with the U.S. audiences and will it appeal to a particular demo. Time will tell.
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