ONE Championship STRUGGLING? Karate Combat's Asim Zaidi Speaks Out | LUKE THOMAS

[@kk-nw2rx]

ONE is definitely not treating their fighters well, but this guy Asim also seems fishy. Chatri was doing the same shit talking up how much he cares about fighters. At the end of the day, Asim is using names like ONE, John Wayne Parr and Alexandre to promote his KC event in Singapore. Brilliant strategy by him tbh

[@CHE5T3R]

As a big fan of ONE Championship, I pay pretty close attention and know some people that get me some inside information on them from time to time.... I don't think Chatri is much different than any other promoter. Sure there are questionable things done, fighters shelved for long periods, plenty of things I don't like or agree with. But I feel like this guy is trying to use this stuff to get eyes on his promotion. Which is very promoter of him...

[@Bolththrower]

He's a promoter, ofc he is fishy.

[@sjtdxitditsitdurzirxur5926]

I think all combat sports promoters are very likely more than a bit fishy, wouldn't trust any of them

[@rockyrivera6397]

He just set up james vick who was knocked out 6 times in a row to get knocked out by one of his fighters and Vick was put into an induced coma after

[@zanderrose]

Definitely also worth noting that KC has a very friendly relationship with the UFC. They stream on fight pass, they’ve sent fighters back and forth to each other like Asim says in the video, Asim coaches several UFC fighters, and the UFC allows their fighters to do grappling matches for KC while still being under contract with the UFC. So you have to take anything KC says about the UFC’s rivals with a grain of salt. That being said ONE seems very shady and I’m tired of seeing their fighters get shelved in their prime because ONE either doesn’t want to book them or can’t afford to.

[@maxvaldivia723]

I appreciate Luke’s interview style here …subtly poking at the hull for holes, to get an essence on how full of shit Zaidi may or may not be… while not really cheerleading, like how Bisping & the Yahoo guy’s interviews occasionally can come off as stroke off sessions… if you know, Luke is obviously invested in the ONE topic from past experience…but regardless of common ground, he’s slightly vetting Zaidi, trying to find out what his agenda is as well. Comes off genuine. Nicely done

[@sexualcaramel]

it's way better than ariel just going with it as gospel

[@CHRISTICAUTION]

His agenda is simple, promote karate combat.

[@kk-nw2rx]

13:10 this is why I respect Luke as a MMA journalist - he's fair in asking Asim about KC's own policies.

[@user-bmw528]

In fairness to both companies, there’s usually tons of clauses in contracts. Most are there as a deterrent, because nobody actually wants legal battles. And most at-will employers have social media policies too.

[@kk-nw2rx]

@@user-bmw528 that's true. but if you also have that clause, don't make a whole media scene attacking other organizations for having that. don't use the names of other fighters to get more viewers.

[@adlad3199]

Not sure about everyone else, but this dude seems ridiculously shady.

[@dustinkilburn]

Dude doesn't drink water. According to him. Doc says his body doesn't need it. Put him right up there with all combat sport pres/CEOs. No better or worse

[@adlad3199]

@@dustinkilburn Is that actually true? 😂😂😂

[@LeoneWorlds]

lowkey, got that same vibe i won't lie.

[@chanandler4567]

That’s why you don’t do business with Middle Easterners.

[@AbsurdistAsian]

Their mannerism is always the same. They talk too much about being the good guy, but when it's the interviewer's turn to speak, they sit there wide-eyed with a big tight grin. Grifter alert.

[@monkeytrip]

“Does Karate Combat have any anti-disparaging clauses?” Dudes reaction said it all😂. Good job Luke!

[@Michael-sv9od]

Clearly you don't work in the business world, he needs to have some kind of clause in there. That's totally normal. Do you expect for him to have his fighter contracts memorized? I worry about the youth of today.

[@monkeytrip]

​@Michael-sv9od "I thought it was clear that Luke pointed out the irony, even hypocrisy, of Asim criticizing One FC’s treatment of fighters for being silenced by an anti-disparagement clause, while Asim has the same clause himself. Dont worry about the youth, I think they can manage without you.

[@crazypato3752]

​@@monkeytripWhat does the clause do ?

[@snusnu39]

@@crazypato3752 Stops them from talking bad about the promotion/empoloyers. If KC fighter have it like ONE fighter do, then he's a hypocrite.

[@crazypato3752]

@@snusnu39 ohhh I see

[@thatdude21601]

So... nobody is mentioning that "Prem Fairtex"; the working boss at Fairtex gym also is the head of ONE's Thailand operations.

[@nonon0n0o]

I was saying the same thing, and I think even most people in the comment section don't know about this. But of course, they acting like they do 😅

[@ch.ch186]

Interesting, I didn’t know. While there is much politics going on, athletes are hurting the most

[@Realmrfrog]

Jack slack has been saying that One championship is essentially a startup for a while. Starting to make a lot more sense

[@somdutroy]

So is PFL at this point. They have made false promises to billionaire investors with too much disposable income.

[@flimflama9333]

Its ya boy

[@sjtdxitditsitdurzirxur5926]

​@@flimflama9333The Ghilaine Maxwell of telling the facts well

[@MrMalzers]

@@sjtdxitditsitdurzirxur5926 wish I could like that twice

[@OctopusWithNoFriends]

​@@sjtdxitditsitdurzirxur5926😂

[@thatguy5404]

As soon as promoters say "We are for the fighters" is a red flag

[@ROF-o3o]

Also having a gazillion viewers. If they use that math, what more of their finances? Such a shame cause One actually has good content and product but instead of using that as a selling point and buidling slowly but surely, Chatri's MBA/marketing/Trump*ard bombastic nonsense just had to destroy it.

[@livefree1030]

They are always for the bottom line. If a fighter is a threat to the Promotion, they are not for the fighter

[@badfoody]

as opposed to UFC where they absolutely do not effing care unless you are some kind of influencer who isn't memed to death? lol

[@natel7382]

And make sure the world sees him get his x belt. Chatri didn't have the talent so lives through other fighters bleeding them dry.

[@__________o____________]

@@ROF-o3otrump in ur head rent free little bro

[@grimaldus1967]

Fairtex Gym is one of the most well-known and respected Muay Thai gyms in Thailand, almost as well known as Sidyodtong, the name that Chatri, the Onefc owner bears.

[@severusatreides3992]

The owner of the fairtex gym is the CEO of ONE Championship Thailand.

[@akohb7849]

Luke please interview Garry Tonon regarding ONE.

[@MP-db9sw]

Agreed. Luke needs to be the ahem one to do that interview.

[@severusatreides3992]

The owner of the fairtex gym is the CEO of ONE Championship Thailand.

[@rooruffneck]

Great work, Luke.

[@MrEyesof9]

One Championship is capable of putting out a GREAT product, despite not knowing any of the fighters. They know how to make the fights interesting and how to keep a great pace. I've even enjoyed their grappling matches, a thing otherwise, I'm not watching. I'd love more amazon prime cards.

[@EL33988]

thank you luke for covering this topic! once again proving to be the goat of the mma media spcae

[@h8jlhbtw]

Great interview… Yeah, I do remember him on the MMA hour being interviewed by Ariel Helwani. I remember him because he was very very excited, kind of like he is right now.

[@damowantswealth]

The Karate Combat guy is probably a snake oil salesman too right?? 😂😂 this feels like the Spiderman meme

[@DrDizzle1990]

True,😂 Karate Combat is part owned by the UFC. Chatri would be crazy to let his fighter roster backdoor their way into the competition without anything in return.

[@damowantswealth]

@@DrDizzle1990 how do you know it's owned by the UFC?

[@george.vasilev.reyner1916]

I feel the same way the whole time I'm watching this video

[@JavierNYC423]

@@DrDizzle1990please provide your sources , you can’t make such a statement without sources

[@GrantGuns]

it's a shame bc ONE has a great product. Good fights and unique rule sets. But if they really are treating their fighters this poorly, they deserve to be exposed.

[@oak7746]

fake good guy lol as scummy as every other promoter.

[@damowantswealth]

Im glad someone else gets it. I've wtched mma since 2010 and i have seen the patterns now 😂

[@zoheir1162]

Why don't you blame the fighters for being the only athletes who refused to make union, (outside of boxers). Do you know why? Because they hate each others and want to use corruption to steal each others spots.

[@dannytq]

Can you elaborate?

[@george.vasilev.reyner1916]

So true! He's not better OR worse than the guy he's dissing. He just found a way to get a piece of the pie and is doing what he has to do to take a shot at the competition and big himself up. There's nothing more to it.

[@natel7382]

I don't have it in my heart is code for my lawyers will take care of bidness.

[@nonon0n0o]

I think this guy have no idea that owner of Fairtex gym is also head of ONE.. and it's kinda funny listening to all this, sounds so fishy 😂

[@albert12256]

I don't know if this guy is telling the truth but I still enjoy ONE more than UFC.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Great that Luke is lending his platform to this. Thanks for getting this out there. I hope to have more on this from either Matt Hume or the One Championship fighters that can talk.

[@MichaelMarucci]

This dude seems like a complete bullshit artist. Anyone who's met a bike thief, or a carnie, or a guy on a street corner selling watches, recognizes this.

[@zoheir1162]

It's called a hustler

[@honigdachs.]

Some people are whining about this guy going after a competitor and all this crap. I don't mind. Why should Dana White be the only guy who gets to shit on everybody else in public. Plus, Zaidi's league is fun and disruptive. It's kinda the wild west of fighting. They let fans vote for rule changes, do these interesting events with crazy new ideas and there's some real talented people on the roster. It's dynamic, there's a lot of moving parts, something's always happening. It's a breath of fresh air in the very stale combat sports sphere. I like the idea of getting some of the ONE guys over there. Cosmo Alexandre has a loss on his record to the former Karate Combat welterweight champion, Josh Quayhagen. Getting that one back could be a fun matchup.

[@nomadgrappler9410]

They still put on better cards than the UFC.

[@davidstreet2949]

No, they don't.

[@WingedKing117]

lol 😂 yea okay causal

[@MiraclesFSC]

So much more entertaining.

[@zephyrleapold6796]

Can you recommend a card you felt was better than UFC? I've tried to get through some and only a few fights over the years got my attention.

[@MiraclesFSC]

​@zephyrleapold6796 any of their Friday night fights lol the main draw to the ufc is their marketing. Do do a great job at their embeddeds and pre fight docus. Without that, the fights are mostly boring. They build the hype. The one fighters are unknown and provide much more exciting and violent fights.

[@stephent601]

13:19 “Does KC have any anti-disparagement clauses in their contracts?” “Hmm I really don’t know I would have to go through it.” If the answer was no he would know and be proud to say that. 15:08 “Would you go to litigation with a fighter if you had to?” “I just don’t have it in my heart man.” But he has it in his heart to put those clauses in the contracts. So in other words, the option is there if he wants it. You can tell Luke heard all he needed to hear. This guy is a terrible snake oil salesman.

[@SUPAassassin098]

To be fair I wouldn’t expect the promoter to be involved in the legal side of the business… I don’t expect a CEO or promoter to know everything in a contract. A disparagement policy is very common, almost every company has one to some degree. To be clear the fact a company has a disparagement policy isn’t the problem here, ONE’s specific policy is the problem. I like how the dude didn’t say a straight up No. Maybe they do but he either doesn’t know or he’s lying. The actual problem with ONE discussed here isn’t the fact they have a disparagement clause, it’s their specific policy and its enforcement. KC at this point isn’t seen to have a policy as harsh even if they do have a disparagement clause.

[@stephent601]

@@SUPAassassin098 As the promoter talking down on another promotion for scaring their fighters into public silence for fear of legal repercussions, I 100% expect him to know whether or not his own company has the same clauses in their contracts. He doesn’t get to act like ONE is the bad guy for enforcing a disparagement clause that his own promotion seemingly has in their contracts and has the ability to enforce if they wish. My point is, if he “doesn’t have it in his heart” to enforce a disparagement clause then it wouldn’t be in the contracts and he would know that for sure.

[@vlada]

​@@SUPAassassin098You wouldn't expect? 😂 The whole post is beyond naive: delusional.

[@SUPAassassin098]

@@stephent601 You can say that but my point remains. I don’t think it matters at this point if KC has a disparagement clause. The issue with ONE isn’t the fact they have a clause, it’s their specific policy and the actions behind it. Tons of companies (close to all) have some form of a disparagement clause. How many do you hear about having a policy this harsh? The specific policy/enforcement is the problem, not a non-disparagement policy in general. Unless someone shows factual data that ONE and KC have the same/similar non-disparagement clause I don’t care if KC has one in their contracts.

[@SUPAassassin098]

@@vlada This point doesn’t make sense. Are you trying to argue that any company with a non-disparagement clause is shady/terrible? Close to all companies have some form of a non-disparagement clause. The specific policy and enforcement is the problem, not the fact of having a clause… Unless someone shows factual data that ONE and KC have the same/similar non-disparagement clause I don’t care if KC has one in their contracts.

[@rozennbergfridi9206]

Good topic.

[@SalvadorDardy]

Imagine trusting this snake anymore than any other promoter. Karate Combat is signed to Fight Pass, meaning they're in part owned by UFC - the most guilty of anti-competitive practices. Sure, Chatri might suck, but it's pretty rich of "President Awesome" to go after him for what Daddy Dana does every day

[@zoheir1162]

Yep, but you should also blame the fighters for being the only athletes who refused to make union, (outside of boxers). Do you know why? Because they hate each others and want to use corruption to steal each others spots.

[@SalvadorDardy]

​@zoheir1162 you're right, it IS the worker's fault ☝️🤓

[@zoheir1162]

@@SalvadorDardy They're not workers, they're slaves at this point, and they're enjoying it.

[@grimgoreironhide9985]

The MMA section of One Championship is neglected. It’s a shame because some of the fights were better than the UFC. Their fighters are willing to fight more riskier.

[@m_-ph4bt]

This makes me so sad because I love OneFC as product, but they seem to treat fighters abhorrently. Can't support that

[@zoheir1162]

They'll do, except maybe scot cocker

[@AbsurdistAsian]

When the promoter tries to hard to paint himself as the good guy, you can smell the grift. Remember the guy who wanted to "change MMA" with his fighters league? I forgot his name but he was on MMA Hour. Nothing came out of that. And it will be the same with this guy. Thanks Luke, for your unbiased questions!

[@Edward-vs4hz]

Good interview. Keep doing these, even if you have to do a bit more Mcgregor clickbait to compensate for lower view count. I suppose you could have asked one more follow-up question about the non disparagement clause. When he said he couldn't conceive of enforcing it, one might ask why even have it in the first place then? But this line of questioning was a fair one to allow us to assess his motives. In the end, even if he is totally self-interested, it doesn't mean his info about ONE's business practices is incorrect, especially since it is corroborated by a lot of other reporting.

[@davidstreet2949]

The movie should help “The Beast in Me,” an action film starring Russell Crowe and Daniel MacPherson who plays an out-of-work former MMA fighter who suffers a personal tragedy involving his brother. With the help of a veteran trainer played by Crowe, he sets out to avenge his brother by coming out of retirement to compete in One Championship.

[@Slickjim91]

Seems like a good dude but I’m also hesitant. Thanks for the interview Bubba

[@ParisLawLess]

Great journalistic reporting professor Luke Thomas

[@livefree1030]

@13:09 Luke, this is why you are Golden. That was a equally fair and balanced question. And his Response was suspect. He's bashing ONE, but most likely has that same Clause.

[@shareefomar579]

Luke - I love your interviews. I would just say, it would be nice if you laid some more ground work in the beginning. Ask broader questions at first about the interviewee’s background and how they got to where they are to help introduce them to the audience, rather than get straight to the point.

[@brendonkhwela538]

So, no actual insights about the internal going onwards on ONE, just gossip and articles as a source? What a complete waste of time. Dude just wants attention to promote his organization!

[@ngud_gaming267]

Wait so they sign contracts that are basically NDAs then leak the info to someone else so they can tell the story? That is literally illegal no matter how unfair you feel the workplace is if the contracts were signed then Chatri can sue these fighters into homelessness. They need better advice or this guy is going to get them all broke

[@seshank]

Good interview Luke. Something new. Bored with saturation of UFC coverage

[@AmberLobry]

You are so edgy.

[@seshank]

@@AmberLobry which part of my comment hurt your feelings?

[@seantube21]

@@AmberLobry Any of us who watch Luke are edgy...90% of the UFC fans simply follow the puppet media outlets (ESPN, John Morgan, Okamoto, Kevin Iole, etc.) Also, welcome to KZbin, Amber. Can you please wait until you have been here for longer than 6 months before you start comment sniping? Thank you.

[@Larrydavid89]

Keep doing what you are doing

[@natel7382]

Sports illustrated did an article a couple years ago. One has pretty insane contracts. They can use your likeness even after death. They also use visas to trap fighters in thailand. But yea qatar lent a ton of money to one and is prob wanting payments sometime soon. Chatri has already chased DJ and the lees out of the sport.

[@Larrydavid89]

Thank you luke

[@paul-martintandetzki731]

The only time a gym will complain is when they aren't allowed to bet or rig the results, id never trust words about money from a gym.

[@robinferdous9164]

This guy is suspicious. As the CEO, he apparently doesn't know if his fighters have a disparagement clause in their contract? But this very thing is what he is criticizing ONE for? Interesting...

[@mytube9182]

Yeah. Now ufc can't keep turning a blind eye to how they're losing and sent a lappup to whine and mud throw. This is the beginning of entertainment :D

[@nitric94]

chatri may be shit but karate combat is shady as f*** especially the crypto thing going on

[@LeeJCander]

What I will say, with regards to Karate Combat. They don’t seem to be on top of their rules. They change and update rules without notifying their fighters which really doesn’t seem to be ‘for the fighters.’

[@TelvinKipapa]

Yeah Bloody Elbow talked about this couple months ago. Really sad & disgusting that their doing this. It's real shame. I love ONE more than UFC. Really hope they things change asap. I hope ONE fires Chartri & replace him with Victor Rui or Scott Coker.

[@dustinkilburn]

Watching Chatri tell DJ "Please don't ever come back" makes more sense now What a scumbag move by them.

[@bradleytobylee4945]

I train at a gym with multiple one championship athletes, If it was so bad they wouldn’t be encouraging the younger athletes to sign onto one FC? The most recent one signed a month ago maybe 2. I’m going to ask their opinion on this, even though there English is very limited.

[@sgraham12]

As the old adage goes: How do you know if a promoter is lying? His mouth is open.

[@JK-en2pi]

Nothing beats how one of his comments on ig said it should be him vs chatri and rich vs gsp. Gsp is in good terms with ONE😂 they literally have the same jiu jitsu master. They acknowlege and praise eachother all the time

[@bradleytobylee4945]

Surely karate combat had to raise millions from investors too, surely that money isn’t unlimited and surely they’re not yet profitable? If they are fair play, that’s insane man.

[@epyjacek]

Very interesting

[@yimmiytube]

Startup Organiser ?

[@zephyrleapold6796]

He says ONE pays them pennies on the dollar compared to other places because they have no where else to go. How can we know what the others place would pay if they dont exist?

[@larajaime86]

Sorry when the promoter says “I’m for the fighter” is a red flag, and also when they go to a new place and what they do first is talk bad about a company is another red flag.

[@MightyGodMaster]

Since they pushed out the real and original promoter of Karate combat it really went down the drain. No karate promoted anymore. Karate style "Muay Thai" lol for real? Promoting his gym fighters, setting up with smaller, unknown fighter's to make him Interim champ. Ignoring real karate legends like agayev. Yeah.. and call himself "president awesome". That sounds like the essence of Karate.

[@DouglasGomesBueno]

Karate is a sacred and legendary martial art in Japan it's not about money, I don't know why this guy uses the name of Karate to make money doesn't have real Karate at his event.

[@maxvaldivia723]

Hopefully Zaidi doesn’t eventually become Craig Jone’s personal Chatri, lol

[@armandmohammed5494]

Luke is a damn great journalist

[@bananaclipper7692]

Asim vs black belt Chatri in grappling

[@ShawnAllen-g9t]

Ksw is the true number 3. They have been consistent for years. They make the show feel big, and they know how to make a profit without losing money

[@DVYPHONICDVY]

Cosmo is over the hill. Look at his record.

[@FightMoney]

One is the 2nd best promotion and its not even close. Their Friday Fights are more entertaining than UFC Fight nights

[@BackToWar100]

No one is still watching ONE since they got rid of the yt stream at least for Central or East Europe. they started for almost 10 years every friday at 3.

[@meatslide]

I really enjoy One friday night fights. It opened my eyes to Muy Thai.

[@yesbutactuallyno8305]

One contract say "praise Chatri at all cost anytime a fighter is on the mic"

[@zephyrleapold6796]

All promoters just talk about how great their promotions are and how all their fighters are happy

[@Brandnewshoes]

Super interesting interview! I like these non UFC based videos.

[@ghidfg]

this dude comes off sleazy as fuck

[@oak7746]

he is.. anyone having james vick fighting for them is a scum bag. a free highlight for his company.

[@oneanother1]

One championship has been happening for years, why is it all of a sudden happening now. One championship is awesome for must Thai and kickboxy. There are other organizations for anyone fighter to go to. Karate kombat, do people train karate to fight? Isn't it just a points match. I'm not sure why any muay Thai fighter would go to karate.

[@billboon]

I love one when it was the fighter . I feel it like business now ....

[@justin8865]

That was awesome

[@Lionheart_Kickboxing]

Don’t listen to The words of a man who makes just as egregious problems at karate combat.

[@ลือชัยซื่อตรง]

ONE is best of the best.

[@JK-en2pi]

Also dont call it a takeover when they arent in singapore like that anymore. Its clear their home is in Thailand the last 3 to 5 years

[@GuanYu-r9m]

At the performance institute, yes

[@rarebreedmma]

At the end of the day, the promotion is there to provide a service in exchange for profits! This guy is no different

[@pi33er]

This dudes the cji investor 💯

[@theartfuldodger7711]

One is releasing fighters because they want to speak out? Makes no sense

[@HyperArcadeSystems]

This is why QATAR is showing up at UFC Events... One Screwed them!

[@Patterson66]

I like this guy and i really enjoy karate kombat its fun unique. Really like it.

[@DouglasGomesBueno]

I love How a Jiu Jitsu Guy are the Owner of Karate Combat, The name of event are Karate combat but 0,1% of fighters are Japanese and attack on the ground are Disrepect in Karate.

[@davidstreet2949]

He is not the owner.

[@BillMice]

White people look better

[@MrFaceNumeroUno]

I really love ONE's product. I hope it survives

[@theartfuldodger7711]

CJI is a karate combat event lol, this guy sucks hahah this guy is hard to like... he's like im a good guy I'm a good guy.. it feels like a guy that I wouldn't want to be friends with

[@MrFaceNumeroUno]

This dude so happy to get One's cast-offs, be careful what you wish for

[@panamaharp]

One is not the only option for Thai fighters…that is a ridiculous statement.

[@DouglasGomesBueno]

If someone want see Real Karate that have honor and class watch the World Tournaments in Tokyo, KC are a Amateur K1 with amateur Kickboxers and Muay Thai bums.

[@DVYPHONICDVY]

One fc Lumpinee every Friday night in Thailand. Huge figures, consistent and awesome fights.

[@Chamasaurus]

This guy is much of a carny as all the other promoters

[@casillasscorer]

Look I don’t trust Asim to speak truthfully about the promotion he runs, let alone other ones

[@itbeginsnow]

tough interview lol guys all over the place but yeah one while it has a great prodcut is very troubled

[@theartfuldodger7711]

He hung up on bas rutten.. I doubt it.. I think hes talking alot of shit and embellishing/Half truths

[@zanderrose]

Now that Karate Combat allows elbows they basically are just Muay Thai with ground and pound. Not a bad place for ONE’s Muay Thai roster to go if ONE really is running out of money

[@thaitopcomment]

The first lie is that the owner of Fairtex is one of the management teams of One Championship.

[@markabdullah6664]

One Championship needs " American Freedom and Democracy " 😂😂

[@yimmiytube]

To make you laugh I play a fool for you.

[@Abcdefc19]

In Thailand one is the largest Muay Thai arena in the world. Thai boxers want to fight in this arena.

[@drawingbert5]

So instead of doing this the legal way (the only way that will actually make a difference) you want this to be a social media spectacle and frame it as if Karate Combat will "fix" combat sports? Idk, dude. This guy sounds like a hustler and you all are being played.