One Championship to Hold First-Ever Event in Thailand in May

Mike SloanMar 03, 2016

One Championship, the largest MMA promotion in Asia, has never ventured into Thailand, a country overflowing with a rich legacy of martial arts and prizefighting. That’s about to change, however, as One Championship announced on Thursday that its brand of violence will infiltrate the home of muay Thai on May 27.

One “Kingdom of Champions” will be held inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok and is expected to be the biggest sports entertainment show in the country’s history. Anchoring the event will be Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, a former multiple-time Lumpinee Stadium champion, defending his One strawweight title, though an opponent for the local hero has not been announced yet.

“I have waited a long time for this,” Amnuaysirichoke said. “Coming home to Thailand and performing in front of my people has always been my greatest dream. Now, it’s become a reality. I vow to protect the title and bring the belt back home to Bangkok again as champion. It is an honor and a privilege to receive this opportunity.”

A co-featured bout as well as a complete undercard will be revealed in the coming weeks.