2 Key Reasons Behind ONE Championship’s Massive Spike in the United States’ Audience Base

Published 01/26/2024, 4:04 AM EST

Martial arts viewership in the United States is growing, and ONE Championship is getting a growing share of it.

GWI, a leading data solutions company, recently released a case study on ONE that helped the promotion gain a better understanding of what resonates well with its audience and how its efforts are bearing fruit.

ONE Championship’s advent in viewership in the west

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The comprehensive report revealed some interesting data points that speak volumes on how the world’s largest martial arts organization is gaining a younger, more knowledgeable audience in the US. Overall, the promotion’s US audience grew 46% over a six-month period between December 2022 and May 2023. In the 18-29 year-old demographic, 63% said that they “extremely like” ONE, which makes them the most-liked martial arts organization among that age group.

The younger consume sports differently compared to older audiences, and it shows online, with fans making their presence felt through active discussion in online forums. The data revealed some key points that may have helped the promotion win over these fans.

First, it showed that 48% find “inspiration” from ONE. More than the exciting bouts, the younger audience is enamored by the stories and the values of the organization and its higher purpose to the world in showcasing the beauty of martial arts.

Second, 45% believe the organization “prioritizes athlete health and safety” compared to just 35% for the UFC.

While the drama that builds to fights has always been part of the excitement of watching combat sports, the two data points that younger viewers are concerned with show that they are getting more passionate about safety and how martial arts affect the world.

When will the biggest MMA promotion in Asia return to the US?

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After a sold-out US debut show in Colorado last year, ONE is looking to return to the country later this year with at least two events already on the calendar – one in Denver on September 6 and one in Atlanta on November 8.

ONE Championship Announces Return to United States With Two Live Events in 2024

With the learnings from the GWI study, it wouldn’t be surprising to see even more fans flock to the venues to experience the promotion’s product first-hand in 2024. Especially with all the big events it has planned out for 2024.

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Given that ONE Championship is the biggest MMA promotion in Asia, do you believe that the promotion led by Chatri Sityodtong has what it takes to dominate the Western world just as he did in Asia? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Chatri Sityodtong Says MMA Will Be “Back in Full Force” in 2024 After Monumental Year for Muay Thai

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Written by:

As someone who's spent his childhood experiencing combat sports firsthand, I have always been in awe of the action in the cage. Post a Degree with Honors in Literature, I quickly realised my penmanship needed some gloves. So here I am , Imtikokba Jamir, a pro writer for UFC at EssentiallySports.

Edited by:

Joyita Das

2 Key Reasons Behind ONE Championship’s Massive Spike in the United States’ Audience Base

ONE Championship’s advent in viewership in the west

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When will the biggest MMA promotion in Asia return to the US?