ONE championship

Rich Franklin Fights for ONE's Rules: Is This the Future of Combat Sports?

Rich Franklin is on a mission to get American commissions to adopt ONE Championship's game-changing rules! Find out why!

Rich Franklin, a prominent figure in the world of mixed martial arts and a visionary behind ONE Championship’s operations, has been passionately advocating for the ruleset and judging criteria employed by the organization. According to him, ONE Championship's regulations cater to the fighters' safety and ensure a higher level of competition. He believes that adopting these rules could revolutionize the sport in the United States, making it more exciting and ultimately beneficial to the athletes.

Franklin pointed out that the distinguishing factor of ONE Championship’s approach is its focus on athlete safety and well-being. The organization emphasizes the importance of fair play and sportsmanship, which he believes are sometimes overshadowed by the desire for quick knockouts in American promotions. With a new set of standards, which includes a more comprehensive judging criteria that evaluates striking and grappling interchangeably, he envisions a more holistic style of fighting that rewards a wider variety of skills.

In his vision for the future, Franklin hopes that more American commissions will take notice and start believing in the efficacy of ONE Championship's model. He acknowledged that while change doesn’t happen overnight, progress is possible with open discussions about these rules. Should they take hold, Franklin is confident that fighters will not only perform better but also feel safer in the octagon, encouraging a more diverse set of techniques and strategies.

Franklin's enthusiasm is contagious as he continues to endorse these rules, envisioning a sport where athletes feel empowered rather than restricted. He also encourages fighters to be vocal about their preferences for rules, pushing for a unified approach in martial arts that could eventually benefit audiences and promote a more engaging entertainment experience.

In addition to Franklin’s efforts, it's interesting to note that ONE Championship has made waves internationally by integrating traditional martial arts into its events, showcasing everything from Muay Thai to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, melding the world's styles into a fierce camaraderie of competition. Furthermore, unlike other promotions, ONE has a unique rule that prohibits the use of elbows, emphasizing a focus on striking with gloves instead of cutting. This not only keeps the fighters safer but also ensures that matches are often more entertaining and dynamic, keeping fans on the edge of their seats!