ONE Championship and the Royal Thai Army today announced a partnership to produce a new weekly live show titled “ONE Lumpinee” at an official press conference at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
It was announced at the press conference, ONE is planning to host 52 live events in Thailand in 2023, with each being broadcast around the world in over 150 countries through ONE’s expansive global media rights partnerships.
The landmark partnership will help transform Muay Thai and the martial arts ecosystem in Thailand into a global attraction, while establishing Lumpinee Stadium as the Mecca of Muay Thai and the premier hub of sports entertainment and tourism in the country through world-class martial arts competitions produced by ONE.
Key Quotes From ONE Lumpinee Announcement
Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “ONE Lumpinee will be a landmark partnership between ONE Championship and the Royal Thai Army that will unite and ignite the Muay Thai and martial arts ecosystem in Thailand like never before.
“I never imagined when I started Muay Thai 38 years ago at Sityodtong gym that it would lead to this moment. I’ve lived Muay Thai as a student, a competitor, a teacher, and now a CEO.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think that one day I would be the main promoter for the Lumpinee Stadium to showcase our national treasure to the world. For the first time in history, Lumpinee will be broadcast live to 154 countries.”before.”
General Suchart Dangprapai, Director of the Royal Thai Army Sports Center, stated: “This is a great opportunity to publicize the collaboration between the Royal Thai Army Sports Center (Muay Thai Lumpinee) and ONE Championship. Mr. Chatri, who has achieved great success in this business, will work with us in the dissemination of Muay Thai, our national combat sport, and all martial arts all over the world. I would like to thank Mr. Chatri once again for this great opportunity.”
Chatri Sityodtong announced that ONE on Prime Video 6 will be held at Bangkok’s Impact Arena on January 14.
The event is expected to feature ONE World Champions Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, as well as a special rules super-fight between ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix Champion Stamp Fairtex and pound-for-pound kickboxing queen Anissa Meksen.
We take a look at the key announcements that were made at the ONE Lumpinee Press Conference.
ONE Lumpinee To Host At Least 52 Shows In 2023
The Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, has been synonymous with Muay Thai because of the legendary matches that have been hosted inside the venue. Now, ONE Lumpinee aims to take the arena’s historic status to the next level.
Beginning in January 2023, the promotion is planning to hold at least 52 events at Lumpinee Stadium every Friday night. Each show is expected to feature Muay Thai fights, as well as some MMA, kickboxing, and submission grappling bouts.
ONE To Invest Big Into Muay Thai
In the first major announcement, Chatri Sityodtong said that ONE Championship would invest US$100 million to the growth of Muay Thai all over the world in the coming years.
That would cover many aspects including events, marketing, athlete pay, and athlete safety – either medically or wherever possible.
In addition, Sityodtong said that his goal for this investment is not only to elevate the athletes who compete in Muay Thai, but also to inspire his countrymen in Thailand.
Multiple Road To ONE Events Confirmed
An opportunity will be given to Martial artists from all over the world, who are going to have a chance to step onto the global stage and join the ONE Championship roster through the Road To ONE series.
Chatri Sityodtong said that “the organization has launched exclusive partnerships with the biggest promoters in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, Mongolia, China, Russia, Japan, Philippines, Australia, and Thailand.”
More countries will be added to that growing list soon.
What do you think of this huge announcement by Chatri Sityodtong and ONE Championship? How big of an influence will this have on the growth of Muay Thai?.
Image Credits ONE Championship
