ONE Championship has terminated three key executives: vice president and former UFC fighter Rich Franklin, senior vice president of competition Matt Hume, and chief operating officer John Suhler. The dismissals come amid ongoing financial difficulties and event cancellations for the organization. The trend suggests ONE Championship may struggle to continue functioning as one of the world's leading MMA promotions. The organization has been experiencing fighter departures, reduced activity among remaining fighters, major fight and event cancellations, and now significant staff layoffs.
ONE Championship has parted ways with three senior executives, a move that deepens concern about the long-term stability of the Singapore-based promotion. Vice president Rich Franklin, senior vice president of competition Matt Hume, and chief operating officer John Suhler were all terminated, according to reports published April 16, 2026.
Franklin, 51, brought considerable name recognition to his front-office role. The American fighter compiled a professional record of 29-7-0 during his career, competing as a southpaw at six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach. Known by the nickname "Ace," he averaged 4.1 significant strikes landed per minute with 44 percent striking accuracy and added 1.31 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded presence both inside the cage and, later, in the boardroom. Hume and Suhler each brought deep operational experience to their respective roles overseeing competition and day-to-day business functions.
Why it matters
- The dismissals arrive against a backdrop of financial difficulties, event cancellations, and fighter departures that have collectively reduced ONE Championship's output.
- Losing senior leadership in competition and operations simultaneously raises questions about the promotion's ability to schedule and execute events in the near term.
- Franklin's departure removes one of the organization's most recognizable ambassadors to Western MMA audiences and media.
- The cumulative pressure of staff cuts, reduced fighter activity, and canceled cards signals a significant restructuring moment for a promotion that has long positioned itself as a global rival to the UFC.
