What's Happening?
ONE Championship has announced the closure of its women's strawweight division, leading to the release of reigning champion Xiong Jingnan. This decision was confirmed by promotion officials following a report from the Bangkok Post. The move comes as many
fighters from the strawweight class had already transitioned to atomweight, which is set at 115 pounds under ONE's weight-cutting rules. Xiong Jingnan, who claimed the inaugural title in 2018, successfully defended it seven times. Her only loss in the promotion occurred in 2019 when she moved to atomweight and was defeated by Angela Lee. Xiong's last title defense was in 2022 against Lee, and she continued to compete until 2025, winning her final match against Meng Bo despite failing to make weight. Now, at 38, Xiong is a free agent as ONE closes the division.
Why It's Important?
The disbandment of the women's strawweight division by ONE Championship marks a significant shift in the organization's approach to women's MMA. This decision could impact the careers of fighters who were part of the division, forcing them to adapt to new weight classes or seek opportunities elsewhere. For Xiong Jingnan, the release opens up possibilities for her to join other promotions, potentially influencing the competitive landscape of women's MMA globally. The move also reflects ONE's strategic focus on weight classes that align with their weight-cutting policies, which could affect how fighters manage their careers and training regimens. This development may lead to increased competition in the atomweight division, as former strawweight fighters adjust to the new category.
What's Next?
With the closure of the strawweight division, former fighters like Xiong Jingnan may explore opportunities in other promotions such as UFC or Bellator, which could lead to new matchups and rivalries. ONE Championship might focus on strengthening its atomweight division, potentially attracting new talent and organizing high-profile fights. The decision could also prompt discussions within the MMA community about weight class management and the implications of weight-cutting policies. Stakeholders, including fighters and promoters, may need to reassess strategies to accommodate these changes, influencing future event planning and fighter contracts.
