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 Sheeler. The firings come amid ongoing financial difficulties and event cancellations for the promotion. The post suggests that ONE Championship's future as a leading global MMA promotion may be in jeopardy, citing departing fighters, inactive rosters for remaining athletes, the loss of key personnel, and the cancellation of major fights and events. The author expressed concern for fighters still under contract with the organization.
ONE Championship has parted ways with three prominent figures in its leadership structure, with the moves coming against a backdrop of mounting financial strain at the Singapore-based promotion.
Rich Franklin, the promotion's Vice President and a decorated veteran of the sport, is among those dismissed. Franklin, nicknamed "Ace," competed professionally with a record of 29 wins and 7 losses, building his reputation as a former middleweight standout known for active striking — averaging 4.1 significant strikes landed per minute during his fighting career at a 44 percent accuracy rate. The 51-year-old American, who stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, had transitioned from competitor to executive, becoming one of ONE Championship's more recognizable front-office faces.
Joining Franklin in the departures are Senior Vice President of Competition Matt Hume and Chief Operating Officer John Sheeler. Hume had long served as a key figure in matchmaking and competitive operations, while Sheeler oversaw the organization's day-to-day business functions. The loss of all three at once represents a significant blow to ONE Championship's operational leadership.
Why it matters
- The simultaneous departure of three senior executives signals serious organizational instability at ONE Championship.
- Ongoing event cancellations and an inactive roster leave contracted fighters in an uncertain position with limited competitive opportunities.
- The departures of key matchmaking and operations personnel raise questions about the promotion's ability to maintain its global event schedule.
- Fighter departures, combined with the loss of experienced front-office leadership, compound the pressure on ONE Championship's long-term viability as a top MMA organization.
Concern has been raised over the welfare of fighters who remain under contract with the promotion, many of whom face inactivity as a result of the event cancellations that have accompanied the organization's financial difficulties.
