ONE FC plan National Stadium date for SG50

SINGAPORE — Mixed martial arts (MMA) property ONE FC are planning to hold an event at the National Stadium to coincide with SG50 — the Republic’s 50th National Day celebrations next year — as part of ongoing efforts to popularise the sport here.

Revealing this at the opening of a new outlet at Orchard Central by MMA academy Evolve MMA, ONE FC chief executive officer Victor Cui said there are ongoing discussions to organise an event at the 55,000-seater arena, which is the centrepiece of the new S$1.33 billion Sports Hub.

Cui declined to reveal further details, but said the challenge remains for MMA to rid the common perception that it is a violent sport if it is to truly become mainstream.

“One of the main challenges that we are constantly fighting is the negative perception of MMA as a violent sport,” said Cui. “We now have a MMA facility right here in Singapore’s popular shopping district at Orchard, one that allows you to train with the most number of world champions than anywhere else in the world, and it definitely must be safe.”

He added: “ONE FC is a Singapore-based company ... so it will be a really proud moment to exhibit the sport for SG50.”

In November last year, Evolve MMA, which has two other outlets at Far East Square and PoMo Mall, signed a partnership agreement with Sport SG that will see tier one national athletes granted free access to its facilities. Evolve MMA plans to open two more academies in Singapore, and eventually 100 across Asia.

Said Evolve Group founder and chairman Chatri Sityodtong: “We want to provide a platform for Singaporeans to leverage on. Some of the best experts in mental conditioning and nutrition are here.” ADELENE WONG