ONE Championship has dismissed three senior executives: vice president and former UFC fighter Rich Franklin, senior vice president of competition Matt Hume, and chief operating officer John Sheller. The dismissals come amid ongoing financial difficulties and event cancellations for the Asian promotion. The departures are seen as part of a troubling trend for ONE Championship, which has been experiencing fighter exits, reduced activity for remaining fighters, and canceled major bouts and events. Industry observers are expressing concern about the organization's long-term viability as one of the world's leading MMA promotions. The post specifically mentions concerns for Russian fighter Anatoly Malykhin, suggesting he should consider leaving the promotion.
ONE Championship has parted ways with three senior executives, the organization confirmed on April 16, 2026, as the Asian promotion continues to navigate significant financial headwinds.
The dismissed personnel include vice president Rich Franklin, senior vice president of competition Matt Hume, and chief operating officer John Sheller. Franklin, a 51-year-old American fighter-turned-executive known during his active career as "Ace," compiled a professional record of 29-7-0 and was a standout middleweight, standing six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach. After retiring from competition, he transitioned into a front-office role with ONE Championship, becoming one of the promotion's more recognizable faces in a leadership capacity.
The departures are the latest development in what observers describe as a troubling stretch for ONE Championship. The promotion has faced event cancellations, reduced activity for contracted fighters, and the exit of several athletes from its roster. The simultaneous removal of three executives at the vice-president level and above signals the depth of the organizational strain the company is working through.
Why it matters
- The loss of three senior figures at once raises questions about ONE Championship's internal stability and strategic direction.
- Fighter activity has already declined, and further reductions could accelerate roster departures.
- Russian heavyweight standout Anatoly Malykhin has been specifically cited by industry observers as a fighter whose situation warrants close monitoring, with some suggesting he should explore opportunities elsewhere given the promotion's current condition.
- ONE Championship has long positioned itself as a top-tier global MMA organization, and sustained financial difficulties threaten that standing in an increasingly competitive market.
