ONE Championship Turns to AI for Its New Athlete Rankings
ONE Championship has brought artificial intelligence into its official rankings, giving fans a new way to see where the promotion’s top contenders stand.
ONE announced its refreshed athlete rankings on Sept. 25, replacing the expert-panel approach it had used when the rankings were first introduced in 2020. The new system is powered by AI and analyzes performance metrics, bout results, and historical data when determining the standings, according to the promotion.
The first rollout covers four Muay Thai divisions, with ONE planning to extend the system to MMA, kickboxing and submission grappling. The promotion says the rankings will help establish a foundation for matchmaking and future World Title contention.
AI Puts Ortikov Ahead of Rodtang
The first rankings have already produced a notable order at flyweight. Asadula Imangazaliev remains the World Champion, while Aslamjon Ortikov occupies the No. 1 contender spot. Rodtang Jitmuangnon follows at No. 2, with Nong-O Hama, Shimon Yoshinari and Ramadan Ondash completing the top five.
The other divisions also feature several recognizable names. Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon leads the bantamweight contenders, Tawanchai PK Saenchai is No. 1 at featherweight, and Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom tops the women’s atomweight division. Stamp Fairtex ranks third in that division, while Nabil Anane sits at No. 3 among the bantamweights.
ONE has not revealed the precise formula behind the AI system, so it remains unclear how much weight it gives each factor. The promotion has, however, made clear that the model is designed to assess fighters through data rather than a human voting panel.
Ortikov’s No. 1 Ranking Comes With a Title Fight
One of the fighters at the center of the new AI-generated standings already has his next challenge lined up.
Ortikov will face Imangazaliev again on November 20 at The Inner Circle 39 in Bangkok, with the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship on the line. The fight will also serve as a quarterfinal in the 2026 ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix.
The rematch comes after their June meeting for the vacant title. Imangazaliev won that fight by split decision, ending Ortikov’s unbeaten 24-0 professional record.
The November fight will give him a chance to challenge the same champion who handed him the first defeat of his career, while also moving one step closer to the Grand Prix semifinals.
