ONE Championship has big plans for the muay Thai arm of its combat sports promotion this year.
Company president and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced on Wednesday plans for a 16-man grand prix that will pay the winner $1 million U.S. All comers will be welcome, too: The tournament will be open weight.
“I would like to announce the greatest grand prix in the history of the sport of muay Thai,” Sityodtong said during a press conference. “$1 million U.S. dollars. Sixteen of the best strikers in the world will descend this year for $1 million U.S. dollars. Fans all over the world, tell me who you want to see.”
Sityodtong did not reveal additional details, such as when the grand prix will launch or how seeding will be determined. He promises it will be something special and that he intends to embrace the open-weight format.
“This is an open-weight grand prix,” Sityodtong said. “This is going to blow up. You’re going to see big guys against small guys, and it’s going to be huge.”
Some of ONE Championship’s current muay Thai titleholders include Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Joseph Lasiri and Tawanchai PK.Saenchai.
