"I think we would have huge success" - Chatri Sityodtong wants to bring ONE Championship's epic fight cards to Russia
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong is confident the organization will debut in Russia in due time. The self-made entrepreneur sees plenty of potential in the martial arts-rich nation, home to some of the finest athletes across various disciplines of the sport.
Speaking during the ONE Friday Fights 81 pre-fight media scrum, the lifelong martial artist offered:
"Yeah, I would love to throw an event in Russia. So we're definitely looking at the potential opportunity to throw an event in Russia. As you said, we have a lot of amazing Russian fighters."
He added:
"I love Russia. I love the culture. I love the people. And clearly, Russians are some of the best fighters in the world. It doesn't matter what discipline - in kickboxing, in Muay Thai, in grappling, and in MMA."
With ONE's track record of producing the spectacular frequently, there should be no denying that the world's largest martial arts organization will hit the ground running as and when things commence in Russia.
Plus, with top names from that region, such as MMA's first three-division world champion, Anatoly Malykhin, already plying their trade in the promotion, Chatri Sityodtong is certain ONE will make it big there in no time.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt further stated:
"I think we would have huge success in Russia because of our Russian superstars. So, yeah, I definitely see, in the future, Russia. Definitely a big event in Russia."
Watch Chatri Sityodtong's full interview here:
Chatri Sityodtong says ONE 168: Denver was a huge hit: "It was outstanding"
While hosting a first-ever card in Russia will come with its challenges, the success of ONE Championship's sophomore outing in North America showcases that the promotion can capture the attention of combat sports enthusiasts on a global scale.
After an electric debut last year, selling out the 6,500-seater 1stBank Center for ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs Moraes III on Prime Video, the combat sports property returned with ONE 168: Denver on September 6 inside a much larger venue, the 21,000-seater Ball Arena.
Per Chatri Sityodtong, the promotion hit approximately 95 percent in ticket sales. In the same interview, the ONE frontman continued:
"It was outstanding. We more than doubled our ticket sales. We effectively sold out the whole stadium. And this is the NBA, Denver Nuggets, and it was like 95 percent or something like that, sold out. It was incredible, the reception we received from American fans."
ONE Championship's next showcase in the U.S. takes place inside the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on Nov. 8. Tickets for ONE 169: Atlanta are avaliable on Ticketmaster.