ONE Championship has announced its latest World Grand Prix tournament, set to launch on May 20.
ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong broke the news via social media that eight of the best flyweight athletes will compete in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix, including reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
“On May 20, ONE will kick off its first-ever world grand prix championship in Muay Thai with the greatest 8 man global tournament ever assembled in the history of the sport. Without a doubt, this tournament will break all viewership records ever seen for Muay Thai on the world’s largest stage of martial arts, and ignite the sport to new heights around the world,” wrote Sityodtong.
“Muay Thai has been my greatest love for more than 35+ years as a student, a competitor, a teacher, a coach, a promoter, and now a CEO. It is truly the honor of my life to lead the sport of Muay Thai around the world and help to grow it for our beloved community everywhere.”
Along with the announcement of the tournament, the first-round matchups were released.
Former flyweight champion Jonathan Haggerty will meet #3-ranked Walter Goncalves in one of the most highly-anticipated first-round battles.
#2-ranked contender Superlek Kiatmoo9 will meet #4-ranked Taiki Naito in what promises to be a high-paced, action-packed matchup.
Savvas Michael and Amir Naseri will be matched up for their quarterfinal appearance.
As for Rodtang, he will be challenged by Britain’s Jacob Smith.
In addition to the tournament, it was revealed that should Rodtang be eliminated, the winner of the tournament will be granted a shot at the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship later in the year.
Let the hype begin as next month will feature the first-ever Muay Thai World Grand Prix featuring the top athletes in the division!
