Move over Rich Franklin, there’s another big name UFC fighter headed to Singapore for an executive seat with the ONE Championship MMA promotion.
It looks like ONE Championship isn’t done making waves as 2018 comes to a close. The MMA organization based out of Singapore made a big splash in headlines just back in October when they worked out a deal with the UFC to release ONE welterweight champion Ben Askren from his contract in exchange for the UFC releasing recently unseated flyweight king Demetrious Johnson. Both Johnson and Askren have since signed new deals with ONE and the UFC respectively.
Added to that, earlier that same month, former UFC and Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez announced his own likely signing with the promotion. Both he and Johnson are reportedly set to take part in ‘Grand Prix’ style tournaments likely starting in the next few months.
This latest news, however, has another former UFC champion making the move with them –although she most likely won’t be competing in the cage. Former UFC bantamweight champ Miesha Tate has been announced for a “vice president” role with ONE Championship, via promotional press release. The longtime Xtreme Couture talent retired from MMA back in 2016, after suffering back-to-back losses to Amanda Nunes and Raquel Pennington. The Nunes loss saw the end of a 5-fight win streak, topped off by besting Holly Holm for UFC gold.
In the time since her retirement, Tate became engaged to former Ultimate Fighter contender and recent Bellator competitor Johnny Nunez. Tate gave birth to their daughter, Amaia Nevaeh Nunez, in June of 2018. As part of her role with ONE Championship, she and her family will be moving to Singapore.
“I am thrilled to join ONE Championship as a vice president,” Tate said in a statement in the ONE press release (h/t MMA Fighting). “I truly believe in its mission of unleashing real-life superheroes who ignite the world with hope, strength, dreams and inspiration. I’m honored to bring my experience as a World Champion and to help inspire the next generation of athletes. And of course, I am excited to relocate to my new home, Singapore, and travel throughout Asia!”
The post carries the same title as one held by another former UFC champion, Rich Franklin. Franklin joined ONE back in April of 2014, two years following his final UFC bout against Cung Le. He has since been a regular, public-facing part of the organization, conducting seminars, scouting talent, and hosting mini-documentaries like Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series.
One Championship’s next event Heart of the Lion is set to take place this Friday, November 9th in Singapore. The event will feature a title unification bout between bantamweight king – and Demetrious Johnson training partner – Bibiano Fernandes and interim champ Kevin Belingon. Jiu Jitsu stars Michelle Nicolini and Garry Tonon are also scheduled to compete on the fight card.