Singapore: Earlier this week, ONE Championship and Muay Thai Grand Prix (MTGP) announced a long-term partnership to host a pair of Road To ONE Muay Thai tournaments later this year. Eight Muay Thai athletes in two different weight classes will compete for a chance to receive a ONE Championship contract worth US$100,000.
ONE is the world’s largest martial arts organization and a top-five global sports property for viewership and engagement, according to Nielsen. ONE events showcase the full spectrum of martial arts, with world-class athletes representing over 80 countries competing across MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, submission grappling, and other disciplines.
MTGP is one of the leading combat sports promotions in Europe, and has featured some of the best Muay Thai talent from around the world, including athletes such as Liam Harrison, Charlie Peters, John Wayne Parr, Damien Trainor, Dan McGowan, Iman Barlow and more. It has held events in the United Kingdom, Australia, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Iraq, and the Reunion Islands over the last five years.
Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated:
“I’ve known Philip for quite a while now, and I’m simply amazed at how much Muay Thai talent there is in the UK.”
He continued; “That’s why I’m so pleased to announce this partnership with MTGP UK, one of the leading combat sports promotions in Europe. ONE Championship remains committed to providing martial arts athletes on the regional scene a platform to showcase their talents, and to potentially earn a US$100,000 contract to compete in ONE Championship’s international events. I can’t wait to see these amazing Muay Thai talents in action and giving it their all in the ring.”
Philip Tieu, CEO of MTGP UK, stated:
“I’m proud to announce our partnership with the world’s leading martial arts organization, ONE Championship.
“MTGP will team up with ONE Championship to create the Road To ONE UK tournaments, where the best athletes in the UK can showcase their skills for an opportunity to win a six-figure contract with ONE Championship. This is a long-term relationship, which will elevate the UK fight scene and grow the sport of Muay Thai in a way we never thought was possible. I truly believe the two companies are a perfect match and that by working with Chatri Sityodtong, it will only expand the sport of Muay Thai even further and take it to new heights. I’m very grateful and excited for this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to the future.”