ONE Championship, GAMMA team up to bolster MMA’s Olympics bid

ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Aiming to strengthen mixed martial arts on the amateur and grassroots level, ONE Championship has partnered with independent governing body Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA).

ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced the news on Tuesday.

The tie-up is in line with ONE’s commitment to developing strong amateur foundation for mixed martial arts as the sport hopes to finally gain recognition as an Olympic sport.

“I am excited to announce that ONE Championship has partnered with the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA), the independent governing body for the sport of mixed martial arts worldwide, with a seven figure, multiyear partnership to elevate the sport of mixed martial arts and prepare it for entry into the Olympics,” said Sityodtong

“ONE Championship and GAMMA share the authentic martial arts values of integrity, humility, honor, respect, courage, discipline, and compassion in the same spirit of the Olympics,” he added.

Headed by president Alex Engelhardt, GAMMA, a non-profit organization, was established last year and now has the membership of over 60 national federations from all over the world.

Sityodtong believes the partnership is necessary for the sport’s continuing progress.

“Like me, Alex is also a lifelong martial artist. In the coming days, weeks, months, and year, I encourage martial artists of all backgrounds around the world to unite together to elevate the sport of mixed martial arts together,” Sityodtong shared.

GAMMA will also stage its Amateur World Championship in Singapore in November around the same time ONE will be holding a blockbuster event also in Singapore.

“I am personally thrilled to invest in the sport of mixed martial arts at the amateur level, and grow the entire sport in the right way.”