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Andrew Whitelaw

ONE Championship Thailand president Jitinat “Plai” Asdamongkol has said the promotion’s renewed partnership with Lumpinee Stadium was a major signal of intent, with Thailand set to remain the company’s global engine room as it targeted further domestic and international growth.
Speaking after the Royal Thai Army confirmed a two-year extension with ONE, Plai said the collaboration had already reshaped the landscape of Muay Thai.
“Lumpinee and the Royal Thai Army invited ONE Championship about almost three years ago to help rejuvenate and revive Muay Thai,” he said. “That partnership has been very instrumental in helping ONE Championship help Muay Thai by upping the standard of Muay Thai and creating many new superstars.”
He added that Lumpinee remained the sport’s most prestigious stage. “Lumpinee is the premier institution, well known around the world as the Muay Thai stadium of world champions and warriors,” he said.
Plai called the renewal “a very positive sign and also a very healthy partnership”.

He said fans could expect at least the same number of events as the past year, though internal discussions had included the possibility of an expanded calendar. “There will at least be the same number of events as last year, but there is a good possibility there will also be more shows,” he said.
Several provinces and venue operators have approached the promotion to host events, opening the door for a national roadshow. A second weekly card was also under consideration.
Plai also confirmed that ONE was looking at maintaining the format of numbered events in Thailand as well as abroad in countries such as Qatar and Japan. Quarterly tentpole events in Bangkok remained part of the long-term plan. Thailand now served as ONE’s production hub, generating more than 60 events per year for broadcast in over 190 countries.


Plai described ONE’s relationship with rival promotion Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) as both friendly and competitive, noting the differences in their positioning.
RWS benefits from a tourist heavy location and markets itself as a theatrical Muay Thai showcase, he said, while ONE focuses on global broadcast standards, elite athletes and international storytelling.
“Both shows have a very different approach and different strengths,” he said.
On traditional Muay Thai, Plai confirmed talks with local promoters about a potential “Road to ONE Lumpinee”. Many gyms, he said, wanted help transitioning from the five-round gambling-influenced style to the faster, global friendly rule set used in ONE Friday Fights.
He noted that foreign fighters had adapted more quickly because their training systems prepared them for international competition. “Things have been quite stagnant” in Thailand, he said, and ONE hoped to bridge that gap.
Plai believed four-ounce Muay Thai was nearing a global breakthrough. Muay Thai fought with four-ounce (113-gram) gloves uses slightly amended rules aimed at producing a more action-packed spectacle, with a higher rate of knockouts.
He called the format “one of the hidden gems of the combat sport industry” and said Western fans familiar with MMA appreciate the speed, variety and danger it presents.
“You see punches, kicks, elbows, clinch work become a lot more refined and impactful,” he said.
He acknowledged concerns over eye pokes and said ONE was testing new glove designs that would “force the curvature of the hand” and reduce risk, combined with stricter refereeing and clearer athlete briefings.

On weight cutting, Plai reaffirmed that hydration testing would remain a core part of ONE’s safety framework. He said fighters still relied too much on short-notice weight cuts.
“We will work harder to educate these people so they can access the resources and expertise to ensure their fighters can be in the best shape,” he said.
Tenshin Nasukawa and Daniel Rodriguez were listed among his dream signings. Plai said Lethwei could return if ONE stages events in Myanmar.
For breakout talent, he highlighted Nabil Anane, saying the teenager “will surprise everyone”.
He said ONE expected marquee match-ups in 2026, and that a second meeting between Rodtang and Superlek sat high on his personal wish list.


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ONE Championship Thailand chief outlines bold expansion plans after Lumpinee renewal

ONE Championship Thailand president Jitinat “Plai” Asdamongkol said fans could expect at least the same number of events as the past year, possibly more. Photo: Handout

A rematch between Rodtang and Superlek, who fought in 2023, is on Plai’s wish list. Photo: Handout

Daniel Rodriguez (left), seen here with China’s Li Jingliang, is one of Plai’s dream targets. Photo: AP

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The new MMA federation’s vision draws from developments in Asia, where the sport has won inclusion into several multi-sports events, including the 2026 Asian Games. Photo: Handout

Among the new rules to be adopted is a ban on head strikes on grounded opponents. Photo: Handout

ONE Championship: Fabricio Andrade ready to ‘answer a lot of questions’ in Bangkok

Fabricio Andrade will defend his bantamweight MMA world title in the main event at ONE Fight Night 38. Photo: ONE Championship

Fabricio Andrade (left) said he had been preparing for his opponent for a long time. Photo: Handout

Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu “likes to get to the ropes”, Andrade said. Photo: ONE Championship

Sport

Martial Arts

Muay Thai

Mixed Martial Arts

Kickboxing

Jitinat Asdamongkol says Thailand remains promotion’s production hub as it explores roadshows, new formats and push for 4-ounce Muay Thai


Jitinat Asdamongkol says Thailand remains promotion’s production hub as it explores roadshows, new formats and push for 4-ounce Muay Thai.


Superlek Kiatmuu9

Nabil Anane

Royal Thai army (RTA)

ONE Championship Thailand chief outlines bold expansion plans after Lumpinee renewal

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Jitinat Asdamongkol says Thailand remains promotion’s production hub as it explores roadshows, new formats and push for 4-ounce Muay Thai

Jitinat Asdamongkol says Thailand remains promotion’s production hub as it explores roadshows, new formats and push for 4-ounce Muay Thai