In the world of mixed martial arts, the UFC has dominated the space but after many tried and failed challengers to the UFC’s hegemony there appears to be a company ready to take its place as a global leader in mixed marital arts.

One Championship, founded by Chatri Sityodtong in 2011, has been growing steadily over the past five years having held 42 events throughout Asia and 13 more on the docket. I had a chance to chat with Sityodtong about his company’s growth, his philosophy for business and life and how One Championship is unlike the UFC.

According to Sityodtong, One Championship is on track to become the first billion-dollar sports entity in Asia in the next 12-18 months.

“We threw our first event 4.5 years ago and for us to be in 75 countries, in a billion homes, for us to have a blue chip roster of sponsors partnering with us, it all requires a warrior spirit. I think in the next five years you’ll be amazed at what happens. In the next 12-18 months, I believe we’ll cross the $1b valuation mark. That’s based on several factors; we’re already approaching a billion. It’s not a far stretch,” Sityodtong said.