ONE Championship has terminated three high-ranking executives from its leadership team: vice president and former UFC fighter Rich Franklin, senior vice president of competitions Matt Hume, and chief operating officer John Shelley. The dismissals come amid ongoing financial difficulties and event cancellations for the Asian promotion. Industry observers are questioning the long-term viability of ONE Championship as a leading global MMA organization. The promotion has been experiencing fighter departures, reduced activity for remaining fighters, and cancellations of major bouts and events. These executive departures represent another concerning sign for the promotion's future stability.
ONE Championship has parted ways with three senior executives as the Asian MMA promotion continues to navigate a prolonged period of financial instability, according to reports published April 16, 2026.
The three departures include vice president Rich Franklin, senior vice president of competitions Matt Hume, and chief operating officer John Shelley. The simultaneous loss of three high-ranking figures from the organization's leadership structure marks a significant shake-up at a time when the promotion is already under considerable pressure.
Franklin, 51, is perhaps the most recognizable name among those let go. The American fighter-turned-executive built a celebrated career in the UFC middleweight division, compiling a 29-7-0 professional record before transitioning into a front-office role. Standing six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, the southpaw from the United States was known for his aggressive output, averaging 4.1 significant strikes landed per minute with a takedown rate of 1.31 per 15 minutes during his fighting career.
Why it matters
- The departures remove key figures in talent relations, competition oversight, and day-to-day operations simultaneously
- ONE Championship has already been dealing with fighter exits, reduced scheduling, and cancelled bouts, raising questions about organizational stability
- Losing experienced MMA leadership at this stage could further complicate the promotion's ability to attract and retain top-tier talent
- Industry observers are openly questioning whether ONE Championship can maintain its position as a premier global MMA organization going forward
The executive dismissals arrive against a backdrop of mounting challenges for ONE Championship, including event cancellations and a thinning roster of active competitors. The compounding nature of these setbacks — financial strain, reduced activity, and now a hollowed-out leadership team — paints a difficult picture for the promotion's short-term trajectory.
