Karate Combat CEO Asim Zaidi has come forward with allegations of questionable business practices by ONE Championship, the Singapore-based mixed martial arts promotion.
Zaidi claims that ONE Championship engaged in tactics that he describes as “blackballing” and interference with contracted athletes. According to Zaidi, ONE’s CEO Chatri Sityodtong personally contacted a prominent Muay Thai gym in Thailand, threatening to withhold opportunities if they allowed one of their fighters to compete for Karate Combat.
“This put tremendous pressure on us,” Zaidi told Bisping. “When we organize events, our sponsors and investors are excited about the fight cards. Pulling a co-main event fight on short notice really hurts us.”
The Karate Combat CEO also alleges that multiple ONE Championship title holders have expressed frustration with the promotion, with some indicating they would rather retire than continue fighting for ONE.
“I had four or five of their current champions say they want to fight for Karate Combat,” Zaidi revealed. “Unfortunately, I can’t help in that process because once you’re signed to a league, unless you’re a free agent, I can’t intervene.”
Zaidi further claims that fighters and managers have approached him with stories of extended periods of inactivity and alleged contract manipulation. According to one manager who spoke to Zaidi, ONE would sign fighters to lucrative contracts but then keep them inactive until financial desperation forced them to accept much lower pay for fights.
Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida recently voiced his frustration with ONE Championship on social media, revealing that he has been inactive for over a year, not by choice but due to the organization’s delays. Addressing rumors of retirement, Buchecha clarified that he’s been waiting for a fight for 13 months, expressing disappointment with the situation. His case isn’t unique, as other stars like Diego Pato and Bruno Pucci have shared similar stories of extended inactivity.
Speculation suggests ONE Championship may be shifting focus towards Muay Thai and kickboxing due to financial difficulties, further complicating the futures of its MMA stars.
These allegations come at a time when ONE Championship is reportedly facing financial challenges. Recent reports suggest the company is seeking investment from the Qatar Investment Authority as it faces a cash runway expected to expire by the third quarter of 2024.
In response to these alleged practices, Zaidi announced that Karate Combat will be hosting an event in Singapore on September 18th, directly challenging ONE in their home market. “We are going to Singapore to throw the greatest event I possibly can and provide opportunities to former ONE Championship fighters and Asian fighters,” Zaidi declared.
