ONE Championship has released five fighters from their roster, including notable MMA competitors and Thai boxers. The MMA fighters cut are Garry Tonon (9-2) and Magomed Akaev (10-2). Three Thai boxing athletes were also released: Stefan Korodi (2-3-0), Amber Kitchen (0-2-0), and Zafer Sayik (0-3-0). The release of Tonon is particularly surprising as he competed exclusively in ONE, fought for a championship belt, has a winning record, and is considered one of the most skilled and decorated grapplers in the world. The other fighters released had less successful runs in the promotion.
ONE Championship has parted ways with five athletes across its MMA and Muay Thai rosters, with the most eyebrow-raising departure being that of Garry Tonon, according to reports dated April 29, 2026.
Tonon's release stands out for several reasons. The American submission grappling legend built his entire professional MMA career inside the ONE cage, compiling a 9-2 record exclusively under the promotion's banner. He challenged for a ONE Championship belt during his tenure and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and decorated grapplers in combat sports history. Releasing an athlete of his profile — one with a winning record, championship experience, and a name that carries genuine crossover appeal — is an unusual move for any major promotion.
Also cut from the MMA roster is Magomed Akaev, who leaves ONE with a 10-2 professional record. Despite a solid winning percentage, Akaev was not able to sustain a run within the organisation.
The three Muay Thai fighters parted with in the same round of cuts tell a more straightforward story. Stefan Korodi finished his ONE Muay Thai stint at 2-3, while Amber Kitchen and Zafer Sayik both depart without a victory to their names, holding records of 0-2 and 0-3 respectively inside the promotion.
Why it matters
- Tonon's exit leaves ONE without one of its most recognisable and technically gifted MMA names, raising immediate questions about where he competes next.
- Akaev's release removes a fighter with a double-digit win total, suggesting roster consolidation beyond simple performance-based cuts.
- The Muay Thai releases reflect a more routine trimming of athletes who struggled to find their footing in the promotion.
- The scale of the cuts — spanning two disciplines simultaneously — points to a broader organisational roster review at ONE Championship.
