“We've already booked venues” – ONE Championship CEO reveals American cities have been locked in for ONE’s imminent debut on U.S. soil

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong revealed that it's only a matter of time before the promotion hosts its first event on US soil.

The promotion’s partnership with Amazon Prime Video has produced four incredible fight cards. While it went down in US primetime, the events have all been in Asia. Inevitably, ONE is looking to make its presence felt with events in the United States.

Speaking at the ONE on Prime Video 4 post-event interviews, Sityodtong revealed that the wheels are already in motion for the promotion’s debut in North America:

“Well, we're talking to a bunch of State Athletic commissions. We have the blessings from a few states and we've already booked venues for next year.”

The Asian organization employs a different ruleset for its fights. Additionally, they have a more innovative and safer weight and hydration system from other similar promotions in the US, for instance, the UFC.

Hence, ONE would have to work with athletic commissions across various states in order to host events there.

Sityodtong stated:

“We're in discussions with all the major State Athletic commissions, and we fully plan to open up the entire United States to the global ruleset, which we believe is safer and healthier for our athletes."

He continued:

"Our hydration system and our medical protocol provide a better and more exciting action with the largest finish rate in combat sports. We have a 70% finish rate as compared to the two other global organizations where they have around 40% and 50%.”

Watch the full interview here:

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ONE Championship looking to bring action closer to more fans around the world

With borders opening in more countries and restrictions being lifted around the world, ONE Championship is looking to do events in various countries.

Since the global pandemic shut the world down back in 2020, the promotion’s events have mostly been held inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium in empty arenas.

However, the first two events of 2023 are scheduled to take place outside of Lion City. The city of Bangkok will play host to the promotion in January, while Jakarta will be the venue ONE Championship's events in February.

The promotion's last event of this year will see them return to Manila, Philippines, for the first time in over 2 years.

With the wheels already set in motion for their US debut, ONE Championship could add even more countries to its list of venues in the coming year. Apart from North America, where do you think the promotion will break ground in 2023?