ONE Championship has dismissed three senior executives from its leadership team: Vice President and former UFC fighter Rich Franklin, Senior Vice President of Competition Matt Hume, and Chief Operating Officer John Shaeler. The firings come as the promotion continues to face ongoing financial difficulties and event cancellations. The post suggests these developments indicate ONE Championship may struggle to maintain its status as one of the world's leading MMA promotions, citing departing fighters, inactive remaining fighters, executive departures, and cancelled major fights and events as evidence of decline.
ONE Championship has parted ways with three senior figures from its executive ranks, with the departures of Vice President Rich Franklin, Senior Vice President of Competition Matt Hume, and Chief Operating Officer John Shaeler confirmed as of April 16, 2026.
Franklin, the 51-year-old American known throughout his career as "Ace," transitions out of a corporate role he held after a decorated fighting career that saw him compile a 29-7-0 professional record. The southpaw stood six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and was known for a high-output striking game, averaging 4.1 significant strikes landed per minute at 44 percent accuracy, while also contributing on the mat with 1.31 takedowns per 15 minutes. He had become one of the promotion's most recognizable front-office faces following his time competing at the highest level.
The dismissals arrive against a backdrop of mounting financial pressure at ONE Championship, which has also seen event cancellations and the departures of fighters from its roster. The exits of Franklin, Hume, and Shaeler represent a significant restructuring of the promotion's leadership at a particularly turbulent moment.
Why it matters
- The simultaneous loss of three senior executives raises questions about ONE Championship's operational stability going forward.
- Matt Hume's departure from his competition oversight role is especially notable given his influence over matchmaking and fighter relations.
- Combined with reported fighter departures, cancelled bouts, and event cancellations, the executive exits paint a picture of an organization navigating serious structural challenges.
- ONE Championship's position as a top-tier global MMA promotion could face increasing pressure if the instability continues.
