ONE Championship is undergoing a significant internal shakeup, with a major roster purge now extending to its executive suite. In a surprising move, the promotion has parted ways with several top officials, including UFC legend and longtime Vice President, Rich "Ace" Franklin.

Franklin, a former UFC middleweight champion who has been a key face of ONE's leadership for nearly 16 years, was let go alongside Senior Vice President of Competition Matt Hume and Chief Operating Officer John Scheler. This executive exodus follows months of downsizing, including fighter releases and event cancellations, signaling a period of intense restructuring for the Asian martial arts giant.

The cuts raise serious questions about ONE Championship's future trajectory. For years, the promotion aimed to become the dominant UFC of Asia, but that ambition now seems increasingly distant. The operational focus appears to have narrowed primarily to its weekly "Fight Night" cards in Bangkok, leaving its global expansion plans in doubt.

The uncertainty is felt by the athletes, too. Former ONE champion Reinier de Ridder, who now competes in the UFC, acknowledged the troubling signs, stating, "It’s not looking good for ONE at the moment... Hopefully, but I’m not sure." His transition mirrors a trend of high-profile talent seeking opportunities elsewhere, underscoring the competitive pressure in the global MMA landscape.