“It’s Incredible What They’ve Achieved” – Liam Harrison Says ONE Championship Is Challenging UFC’s Combat Sports Dominance With Striking Divisions

Published 11/16/2023, 4:44 AM EST

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Liam Harrison believes there are two clear top combat sports organizations in the world today, and they are closer in popularity than people think. The English striker says that while UFC is undoubtedly a global monster, ONE Championship is quickly becoming a fan favorite because of its exciting events. 

For years now, UFC has been synonymous with MMA, owing to its longevity and success in promoting martial arts. However, ONE has begun to chip away at its dominance thanks to the variety of disciplines it features at every show. And Harrison is good to give everyone all the prime examples.

Liam Harrison is rooting for ONE Championship

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In particular, “Hitman” points to the promotion’s all-striking divisions of Muay Thai and kickboxing as key in helping ONE grab attention from audiences all over the world. And he adds that, in turn, athletes from both sports are enjoying success at previously unheard-of levels.

“ONE and UFC are the top two organizations at the minute. Obviously, UFC is one of the biggest fight promotions in the world, and it always will be, but ONE is coming forward with it,” Harrison told ONE in an interview.  “ONE is coming out with the striking side. We’ve got these ONE Friday Fights events on every week. They’re getting the massive names for people – like Rodtang. They’re becoming worldwide names. So, I think what ONE has done, especially for Muay Thai and striking this year, has been unbelievable. I think it’s incredible what they’ve achieved.”

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Harrison’s thoughts echo that of ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, who recently caused quite a stir in the combat sports community when he claimed that his promotion has the best strikers on the planet. While controversial, it’s difficult to argue against his opinion.

Especially considering the roster of World Champions that the organization has. Global striking superstars like Harrison, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Superlek Kiatmoo9, Superbon Singha Mawynn, Tawanchai PK Saenchai, and Anissa Meksen are just some of the names of fighters who compete in the promotion.

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Muay Thai is all the rage

Crossover stars like three-sport World Champion Stamp Fairtex and kickboxing and MMA standout Fabricio Andrade also produce exciting fights whenever they step in to compete. ONE’s efforts in pushing the striking arts, like the upcoming all-Muay Thai event ONE Fight Night 17 in December, have helped grow awareness of the sport, and it shows that the promotion truly cares about the growth of combat sports across the board.

Also Read: Stamp Fairtex Creates History by Becoming the First Three Sport Champion in the History of ONE Championship

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With its massive impact on Muay Thai and kickboxing, its consistently enthralling MMA battles, and the introduction of submission grappling World Title to its platform, ONE is welcoming all fans from all interests. Thus, it may only be a matter of time before ONE Championship becomes a force all of its own – one synonymous with all martial arts around the world. 

Also Read: “I Want to Challenge Myself” – Stamp Fairtex Eyes Xiong Jing Nan’s Strawweight Gold

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Written by:

Prit Chauhan

926Articles

One take at a time

I'm Prit Chauhan, and I'm a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. I've been in the writing business for three years, covering areas like mass media marketing, and even tried my hand at fiction. My experience includes research work at the University of California, Berkeley, which helps me spin fact-based stories about the world of Mixed Martial Arts effortlessly.
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Edited by:

Joyita Das