For the 30th anniversary of legendary Japanese promotion Shooto, the organization has entered an exclusive partnership with ONE Championship.
The partnership will see both ONE Championship and Shooto work together to further develop the martial arts industry in Japan, providing athletes a global platform to showcase their talents and develop their skills.
“As Professional Shooto celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we are excited to announce our partnership with ONE Championship. This is the first time in 30 years that Shooto is partnering with an international martial arts organization,” said Shooto CEO Kazuhiro Sakamoto.
Under the terms of the partnership, all Professional Shooto champions will receive the opportunity to compete in ONE Championship, the world’s largest martial arts organization.
In addition, the winner of the upcoming All-Japan Amateur Shooto Championship will receive the opportunity to train at Evolve MMA in Singapore for a year.
“ONE Championship is excited to offer Shooto athletes and World Champions the opportunity to compete on the world’s largest stage for martial arts. We see big potential in Japan’s martial arts talent, and are committed to developing Japan’s ecosystem,” shared ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
“Our partnership with Shooto is a great opportunity for both organizations to create a new era for martial arts in Japan.”
Shooto has already produced a number of ONE Championship’s current and former world champions, including current ONE Strawweight World Champion Yosuke Saruta; former ONE Strawweight World Champion Yoshitaka Naito; and former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki.
Shooto will continue to actively support ONE Championship in its scouting efforts in Japan. Shooto will also provide marketing support to ONE Championship’s upcoming events in Japan, starting with ONE: A New Era on March 31 at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
