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It's pretty clear that a war is brewing for primacy in Asian MMA. This has potential implications for the sport more widely, as well.
ONE Championship has significant amounts of venture capital at its disposal, has demonstrated an ability to put on events with high production values, has begun to recruit some prominent fighters such as Demetrious Johnson and Eddie Alvarez, and has ambitious plans to enter the (potentially) lucrative Japanese market in 2019. They have a number of home-grown names, including Angela Lee. In addition, their business model seems to be to become the premier combat sports brand across Asia, bringing high-level MMA, and kickboxing and boxing, under one umbrella. On the downside, their finances are murky (suspiciously so), they have no valuable broadcasting deals to speak of, and they struggle to sell any tickets to their events.
Rizin FC has struggled to penetrate the popular consciousness in Japan, as evidenced in their disappointing TV ratings. There have been rumours that the promotion could go under if matters don't improve soon. They are also a purely Japanese endeavour, as opposed to the pan-Asian aspirations of ONE. On the other hand, they have shown a capacity to run cards with high production value, have recruited a small number of premier fighters (Kyoji, Tenshin, a number of female atomweights, plus some starts of yesteryear since as Cro Cop) and have seemingly made a play for Floyd Mayweather. In addition they are also running both MMA and kickboxing bouts.
What will be next? ONE has aspirations of conquering Japan which is, per capita, by far Asia's richest country. That might be difficult, given the fact that the Japanese discriminate against foreign companies. On the other hand, there have been rumours that Tenshin was going to defect from Rizin and join ONE next year - I have no idea if the Floyd news will change this.
It seems to me that the key thing for both organisations is to recruit more outside talent. There are rumours of Sage Northcut joining ONE. I wouldn't be surprised if TRT Vitor Belfort makes a return in Asia. Who do you think will be recruited to this conflict next?
ONE Championship has significant amounts of venture capital at its disposal, has demonstrated an ability to put on events with high production values, has begun to recruit some prominent fighters such as Demetrious Johnson and Eddie Alvarez, and has ambitious plans to enter the (potentially) lucrative Japanese market in 2019. They have a number of home-grown names, including Angela Lee. In addition, their business model seems to be to become the premier combat sports brand across Asia, bringing high-level MMA, and kickboxing and boxing, under one umbrella. On the downside, their finances are murky (suspiciously so), they have no valuable broadcasting deals to speak of, and they struggle to sell any tickets to their events.
Rizin FC has struggled to penetrate the popular consciousness in Japan, as evidenced in their disappointing TV ratings. There have been rumours that the promotion could go under if matters don't improve soon. They are also a purely Japanese endeavour, as opposed to the pan-Asian aspirations of ONE. On the other hand, they have shown a capacity to run cards with high production value, have recruited a small number of premier fighters (Kyoji, Tenshin, a number of female atomweights, plus some starts of yesteryear since as Cro Cop) and have seemingly made a play for Floyd Mayweather. In addition they are also running both MMA and kickboxing bouts.
What will be next? ONE has aspirations of conquering Japan which is, per capita, by far Asia's richest country. That might be difficult, given the fact that the Japanese discriminate against foreign companies. On the other hand, there have been rumours that Tenshin was going to defect from Rizin and join ONE next year - I have no idea if the Floyd news will change this.
It seems to me that the key thing for both organisations is to recruit more outside talent. There are rumours of Sage Northcut joining ONE. I wouldn't be surprised if TRT Vitor Belfort makes a return in Asia. Who do you think will be recruited to this conflict next?
