Looking into Asian opportunities? Join us at our 3rd annual TheTicketingBusiness ASIA 2024 in Hong Kong [14-15-16 October]
Our global meeting returns to Manchester 28-29-30 April 2025 - Register for your #TBF25 Super Earlybird rate here

Asia

One Championship returns to Japan following Rakuten Ticket and NSN deal

Featured Image: One Championship

Martial arts organisation One Championship has announced its return to Japan, following a multi-year, multi-event deal between Rakuten Ticket and marketing agency Never Say Never (NSN).

One 165: Rodtang vs Takeru will take place on January 28 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. The event will be headlined by a five-round flyweight kickboxing fight between One Flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Japanese kickboxer Takeru Segawa. 

“I am thrilled that One Championship has partnered with Rakuten Ticket, a blue-chip brand with a shared passion for innovation, to bring this massive event to Ariake Arena,” said Chatri Sityodtong, chairman and chief executive of One Championship. 

“One has the most passionate fans in the world, especially in Japan, where martial arts is steeped in its rich cultural history. Several of One’s greatest moments have taken place in Tokyo, and together with Rakuten Ticket and NSN, we can’t wait to usher in a new era with our return.”

The event will also feature a lightweight MMA match between Japan’s Shinya Aoki and Sage Northcutt of the US. 

Early bird tickets for One 165 are already on sale via Rakuten Ticket, with Stage Front VIP continuing its role as VIP experience partner. 

Joe Umemoto, president of Rakuten Ticket, said: “We are thrilled to partner with One Championship to bring world-class martial arts to Japan. This event partnership doesn’t just bring the world’s top athletes to Japan – it aims to create new ways to surprise and delight our customers and deliver innovative martial arts experiences to fans across the country.”

Joel Borras, chairman and president of NSN, added: “One Championship is the world’s largest martial arts organisation and to be involved in its return to Japan is a privilege for NSN. In our commitment to bring together the best properties in the sports and entertainment industry, it is an honour to support this project together with Rakuten Ticket. We appreciate Chatri and his team for their trust and support on this project.”