Some know him as the CEO of ONE FC, some know him as the Most Powerful Man in Asian MMA. Some know him as Victor, and of course, some know him as that dude with the most awesome tailored suits. Regardless of what you want to call the head honcho of Asia’s biggest MMA promotion, ONE Fighting Championship, Victor Cui has done more for Asian MMA in one year than anyone could dreamed possible.
In less than a year, he has made ONE FC the most well known MMA promotion in Asia. He has put up three sold out shows which boasted fight cards made up of arguably the best fighters in Asia, and he has formed the ONE FC Network which consists of the best fighters, gyms, retailers, media partners and big name sponsors. Some have even credited him for being one of the main reasons why Asia has seen the resurgence of mixed martial arts.
We recently had a chance to catch up with Victor in between his crazy schedule, which consist of him flying around the world, closing important mega deals and other cool stuff. Victor speaks on the rise of ONE FC, the ONE FC Network, ONE FC in Malaysia and what he would do if he got asked for an autograph in the toilet.
WDS: First and foremost, thank you for taking your time off to have this interview with us. Alright, let’s get straight to it. If I asked you this time last year where you would be in a year’s time, would you have guessed that you’d be the most well-known and influential person in Asian MMA?
Victor: Always a pleasure to talk to you guys, keep up the great work! When I started ONE Fighting Championship (ONE FC), my vision was to create the largest MMA organization in Asia. We have achieved a lot but there is still a lot more work to do and grow the sport.
WDS: You’ve taken ONE FC from just a start up to the hottest MMA promotion in Asia in less than a year. Are you personally surprised by the success and meteoric rise of ONE FC?
Victor: Absolutely not. As I have said, my vision for ONE FC was to be the largest MMA organization in all of Asia, and I expect even continued explosive growth in the future.
WDS: When the ONE FC network was initially formed, naysayers were the first to point out that it wouldn’t work with so many “egos being involved”. However, right now, the ONE FC Network seems to be a very powerful entity in Asia. In your opinion, how has working with all the various gyms and organizations in the ONE network been so far?
Victor: It has been a tremendous experience so far. Everyone in the ONE FC network is extremely supportive of each other and I couldn’t wish for better partners. When the very best in the business get together like we have done with the network, great things will happened, stay tuned.
WDS: Speaking of the ONE FC network, you’ll be organizing The ONE Asia Summit in June. Could you tell us more about the summit and what is ONE FC trying to achieve from it?
Victor: 150 of the most influential people in Asian MMA will join forces in a collaborative effort to grow and learn at the ONE Asia MMA Summit. It is an opportunity for us to come together, share ideas, harness the phenomenal growth of MMA in Asia and create opportunities for all.
WDS: Another highlight in June will be ONE FC’s first foray into the Malaysian market. The event will be held in an 8,000 seat stadium instead of a 2,000 seat stadium, as initially announced. What’s your opinion of the Malaysian MMA scene and what prompted you to increase the size of the venue?
Victor: If you have been to a football match in Malaysia, you will know what I mean when I say that the Malaysian fans are absolutely fanatical! I am 100% confident that our events will just keep getting bigger. My goal is to make the sport of MMA the biggest sport in Asia and have ONE Fighting Championship lead the way. I am committed to putting on the best shows that sports fans have ever seen, bring on board the best fighters and create the ultimate MMA experience.
WDS: Now that you’ve become a public figure and perhaps the most well-known person in Asian MMA, how has life changed for you? Have you ever gotten approached for autographs in the toilet?
Victor: I’ve not been asked to sign an autograph in the toilet yet, but if that unlikely scenario ever occurs, I’ll be more than happy to sign it AFTER they wash their hands. But yes, I have noticed that I am receiving significantly more recognition from the wonderful fans all over Asia. I get hundreds of Facebook messages and emails a day, but I’m always very thankful for all the support.
WDS: What does Victor Cui do in his free time to unwind? Given that you have any free time of course.
Victor: There is nothing more important to me than my family. When I do have some time to spare, I will always try my very best to spend time with my wife and 2 beautiful children.
WDS: Do you have any parting words for your fans and the fans of ONE Fighting Championship?
Victor: Thank you for all the endless support you have given me and ONE FC! ONE FC is the largest MMA organization in Asia right now, and we could not have done it without you. Our next event, ONE FC: Destiny of Warriors, will take place in Malaysia on June 23rd. Keep watching the fights and continue your support for ONE FC, I promise to deliver bigger and more exciting events to come.
WDS: Thank you for your time Victor and keep up the awesome work bringing MMA across Asia.