MMA promoter eyes China market after investment boost

One Championship, the mixed martial arts promotion company, has made China a priority market after securing fresh investment for an assault on the global market.

The company, based in Singapore, said on Thursday a new injection of equity, including from Sequoia India and Mission Holdings, takes the total capital raised to $100 million.

"Our mission is to unleash superheroes across Asia to ignite inspiration, hope and strength across all segments of society," said Chatri Sityodtong, the chairman and CEO, who is a former Muay Thai fighter.

According to the company's development plan, the investment will be used to stage more events in China as well as recruit more Chinese fighters.

Since making its debut in the country in December 2014, the MMA promoter has organized five major events in Chinese cities, including Beijing and Macao, and opened a permanent base in Shanghai.

While the Ultimate Fighting Championship promotes the sport in the Western hemisphere, One Championship has a strong presence in Asia, delivering average TV ratings of 26 percent across 128 countries in the first half of this year.

The company has also seen growth in its social media exposure, with videos of its fights viewed an estimated 600 million times this year compared with only 312,000 in 2014.

One Championship broadcasts its events to a potential audience of 1 billion in more than 128 countries.