ONE Championship’s Elite Striking Roster Could Be the Best in the World
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ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong has stirred up some controversy with his recent statements about combat sports. However, undeniable facts remain on his side of the argument.
In an interview, Sityodtong noted the key difference between ONE and the UFC. He remarked that the latter has “very sloppy, mediocre-ish striking because they’re not strikers.” With multiple news outlets covering the story, fans have appeared divided by his opinion.
One Championship is home to the most elite strikers in the world
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Those unfamiliar with the Asia-based promotion strongly disagree with the ONE chief. Especially those who closely follow the UFC. However, the world’s largest martial arts organizations have found some avenues to expand their reach. ONE has partnered with Prime Video and made its way to American soil earlier this year which will bring the MMA faithful their fix in a more accessible way. One thing is for sure. The MMA community like what they see. ONE events are often the talk of the internet, and its debut event in the U.S.–ONE Fight Night 10–sold out weeks in advance.
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The UFC’s grappling and wrestling-heavy MMA style has dominated the West for years. Henceforth, the arrival of ONE and its striking-forward platform has emerged as a refreshing change for fans who have sought more hard-hitting action. Along with MMA, the combat sports giant regularly features Muay Thai and kickboxing bouts at its events. The Asian promotion has amassed a roster that consists of over 100 world champions from the striking arts. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Sityodtong has claimed it has the best fighters of any promotion in that area.
Notable MMA personality and UFC commentator Joe Rogan even spoke about the potential of Muay Thai in North America. The accessibility of witnessing the incredible war between ONE athletes Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE Friday Fights 34 last month has spiked growth. Anyone who has only followed combat sports in the West can’t be faulted for claiming that the quality of fighters in the UFC trumps any other promotion. However, they may change their minds once they start to watch ONE’s enthralling shows.
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One thing is for sure. ONE has an immensely talented roster that can bring forth much more fierce competition in the MMA landscape.
The star-loaded roaster of ONE speaks for itself
The promotion is home to the pound-for-pound greats of both kickboxing and Muay Thai, including Rodtang, Superlek, Tawanchai, Superbon, Chingiz Allazov, Jonathan Haggerty, and Nong-O, to name only a few. And some elite strikers on the ONE roster have also proven their proficiency in the all-encompassing sport of MMA. Muay Thai and kickboxing standout Fabricio Andrade currently reigns as the ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion, while former Chinese national boxer Xiong Jing Nan has sat atop the women’s strawweight MMA division for years. Stamp Fairtex also made history recently by becoming the first three-sport World Champion in the organization.
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The Thai superstar previously held the Muay Thai and kickboxing crowns in the atomweight division, and her win over Ham Seo Hee at ONE Fight Night 14 earned her the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title. It’s difficult to question the level of striking in ONE, but those unfamiliar with the product still have their doubts about how the fighters would fare against those in the UFC. A cross-promotional event between the two powerhouse companies might be the only way to settle the fiery debate, but that seems like little more than a pipe dream in the current climate.
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