One Championship Announces Partnership with Shooto

I'm thrilled to announce that Shooto has now become an exclusive partner to provide its best athletes and World Champions to ONE Championship! #WeAreONE

— Chatri Sityodtong (@yodchatri) January 25, 2019

The landscape of mixed martial arts in Japan is about to change dramatically, as One Championship has announced a partnership with Shooto.

Via its official press release, One has entered into an arrangement that will allow for Shooto World champions to compete in One. Additionally, the victor of the All-Japan Amateur Shooto Championship will be granted the opportunity to train at the Evolve MMA training camp located in Singapore for one year. The arrangement allows for the organizations to coordinate scouting for upcoming talent, and for One to receive support from Shooto for future events in Japan.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of One Championship, announced, "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. Our partnership with Shooto is a great opportunity for both organizations to create a new era for martial arts in Japan."

Shooto was established in 1985 by former professional wrestler and original "Tiger Mask" Satoru Sayama, and started holding professional matches as early as 1989. Some noteworthy fighters to compete inside the promotion include Norifumi Yamamoto, Takanori Gomi, Hayato Sakurai, Kyoji Horiguchi and Rumina Sato among many others.

In the press release, CEO of Shooto, Kazuhiro Sakamoto explained, "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. We believe our close collaboration with One will not only be beneficial to Shooto and its athletes, but also for the future of the martial arts industry in Japan."