5 bold predictions for ONE Championship in 2022

ONE Championship double champ Reinier de Ridder might make history in 2022 and become the first triple-division champ in MMA. (Image courtesy of ONE Championship)
ONE Championship double champ Reinier de Ridder might make history in 2022 and become the first triple-division champ in MMA. (Image courtesy of ONE Championship)

#4. ONE Championship will welcome more fighters from other organizations

With the successful ONE Championship debut of former UFC and Bellator fighter Jarred 'The Monkey God' Brooks and the incredible run of John 'Hands of Stone' Lineker, ONE is becoming a destination for talented free agents.

ONE Championship has become a major mover in the fight business with the acquisition of world-class athletes from different combat sports. World champion kickboxers, submission grapplers and MMA fighters are finding ONE Championship a viable choice to further their careers.

Even one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, Demetrious Johnson, chose to fight in ONE Championship, despite having a legendary run in the UFC.

It's already a foregone conclusion that the UFC does not hold a monopoly when it comes to having the best fighters in the world. We wouldn't be surprised to see more former and current world champions jumping ship to ONE Championship in 2022.


#3. ONE Championship will open a new female weight class

Acquiring more fighters could mean the possibility of opening a new female weight class for ONE Championship. At the moment, ONE has female weight classes at 115 pounds and 125 pounds, for both MMA and kickboxing.

Opening a 135-pound or 145-pound female weight class could be huge for ONE Championship as there's a wealth of talent in that division across the globe.

Just last September, ONE did something unprecedented by producing an all-female card in ONE Championship: Empower.

This shows how ONE Championship gives paramount importance towards its female fighters. By expanding their roster, the organization will attract more athletes. With more fighters, more champions will arise and more champions means more fans.

It's a win for both the organization and for the sport as a whole.

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