Everything You Need to Know About Watching ONE Championship in India
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has seen a massive surge in popularity across India over the last few years. While the UFC has long been a household name, ONE Championship has carved out a massive niche for itself as the premier martial arts organization in Asia. If you are a fan of high-octane action, world-class striking, and technical grappling, you are likely wondering how to watch ONE fight events live from the comfort of your home in India. Whether it is the weekly ONE Friday Fights from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium or the massive ONE Fight Night events, staying updated with the broadcasting schedule is essential.
The growth of Indian athletes like Ritu Phogat, Asha Roka, and Puja Tomar has further fueled the local interest in this promotion. Unlike other organizations that focus solely on MMA, ONE Championship offers a unique blend of Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Submission Grappling, often all on the same card. This variety makes every event a must-watch for combat sports enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly how to watch ONE fight cards using official broadcasters, digital platforms, and mobile apps available in the Indian subcontinent.
Official Broadcasters for ONE Championship in India
For several years, the broadcasting rights for ONE Championship in India have been held by the Star Sports Network. This is great news for Indian fans because it means the fights are accessible on traditional television as well as popular digital streaming platforms. If you have a standard cable or DTH connection, you can usually find the major events on Star Sports Select 1 or Star Sports Select 2. However, the exact channel can sometimes change depending on other major sporting events like the IPL or international cricket matches.
If you prefer watching on your television, it is a good idea to check the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) on your set-top box a day before the event. Star Sports usually provides high-definition coverage with English commentary, ensuring you do not miss a single detail of the action. For those who have moved away from traditional cable, the digital transition has made it even easier to catch every knockout and submission live.
How to Watch ONE Fight Live on Disney+ Hotstar
The primary digital home for ONE Championship in India is Disney+ Hotstar. This is perhaps the most convenient way for most Indian fans to watch the fights. Since Hotstar is one of the most widely used streaming services in the country, there is a high chance you already have a subscription. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to access the live stream on this platform.
- Open the Disney+ Hotstar app on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV.
- Navigate to the Sports section from the bottom menu or side sidebar.
- Look for the Martial Arts or MMA category. During live event hours, a prominent Live banner usually appears on the home screen.
- Click on the ONE Championship thumbnail to start the live stream.
One of the best things about watching on Disney+ Hotstar is the flexibility. If you miss the start of the event, you can usually rewind to the beginning or watch the full replay immediately after the broadcast ends. This is particularly useful for Indian viewers who might be busy during the early evening hours when the Friday Fights typically begin.
Subscription Plans for Hotstar
To watch ONE Championship on Disney+ Hotstar, you generally need a premium subscription. The platform offers different tiers, including the Mobile plan for those who only watch on phones, and the Super or Premium plans for those who want to watch in 4K on big screens. Considering the high production value of ONE Championship events, watching in high definition is highly recommended to appreciate the speed of the Muay Thai strikes.
Watching ONE Friday Fights on YouTube
In a move to expand its global reach, ONE Championship has been incredibly generous with its digital content. For the ONE Friday Fights series, which takes place almost every week at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, fans in India can often watch the entire card for free on YouTube. This is a game-changer for casual fans who are not ready to commit to a paid subscription yet.
To watch via YouTube, simply search for the official ONE Championship YouTube channel. They typically go live around 6:00 PM IST on Fridays. The stream is usually available in 1080p and features world-class commentary. It is important to note, however, that the larger ONE Fight Night events (the numbered events) are often geoblocked on YouTube in India because of the exclusive deal with Star Sports and Hotstar. For those major events, you will need to stick to the official television or Hotstar broadcast.
Using the ONE Super App
The ONE Super App is a dedicated platform developed by the organization to give fans a centralized hub for all things martial arts. It is available for both Android and iOS devices. While the app is fantastic for checking rankings, fighter bios, and event schedules, its live streaming capabilities in India depend on current licensing agreements.
In many cases, the app acts as a gateway. It provides links to official broadcasters based on your GPS location. However, for certain regions or specific preliminary bouts, the ONE Super App offers a direct live stream. Even if you don't use it for the live video, it is an essential tool for Indian fans to keep track of fight results and upcoming cards involving Indian athletes.
The Timing of ONE Fight Events in India
One of the biggest advantages Indian fans have when watching ONE Championship compared to the UFC is the time zone. Since ONE is based in Singapore and frequently holds events in Thailand, the timings are very viewer-friendly for India. You don't have to wake up at 4:00 AM on a Sunday to watch your favorite fighters.
- ONE Friday Fights: These usually begin at 6:00 PM IST on Friday evenings. This makes them the perfect start to the weekend for sports fans.
- ONE Fight Night: These larger events often target a US prime-time audience but are held in Asian morning hours. For Indian viewers, this usually means a start time between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM IST on Saturday mornings.
Always double-check the official ONE Championship social media pages (Instagram and X) as they frequently post countdown clocks and local start times for every major region, including India.
Watching ONE Fight Events if You Are Traveling
If you are an Indian fan traveling abroad and find that your Hotstar subscription isn't working due to geo-restrictions, you might need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows you to route your internet connection through a server in India, making it appear as if you are browsing from home. This can help you log into your local accounts and watch the fights as usual.
However, ensure that using a VPN complies with the terms of service of the streaming platform you are using. Some popular options for sports streaming include ExpressVPN or NordVPN, which offer high speeds suitable for live video without buffering. Alternatively, check the local broadcaster in the country you are visiting; for instance, in the US, ONE Fight Night events are exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Why ONE Championship is Worth Watching
If you are still on the fence about whether to tune in, consider the unique format of ONE. Unlike traditional MMA promotions, ONE enforces a strict global rule set that bans weight cutting by dehydration, focusing instead on walking-weight and hydration testing. This leads to healthier athletes and more energetic performances.
Furthermore, the variety is unmatched. In a single night, you might see a high-level MMA grappling match followed immediately by a Muay Thai fight in 4-ounce MMA gloves. The latter has become a fan favorite because of the incredibly high finishing rate and the technical beauty of the Art of Eight Limbs. For Indian fans, seeing the likes of Superlek, Rodtang, and Chingiz Allazov perform is a masterclass in striking that you won't find anywhere else.
Conclusion
Knowing how to watch ONE fight events in India is simpler than ever thanks to the partnership with Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar. With the additional free options on YouTube for Friday Fights, there is no excuse for any combat sports fan to miss out on the action. From the tactical battles on the ground to the explosive knockouts in the ring, ONE Championship offers something for everyone. Make sure your subscriptions are active, check the IST timings, and get ready to cheer for your favorite martial artists as they compete on the global stage.
Is ONE Championship free to watch in India?
Many events, specifically the ONE Friday Fights series from Lumpinee Stadium, are streamed for free on the official ONE Championship YouTube channel. However, major ONE Fight Night events usually require a subscription to Disney+ Hotstar or a cable connection with Star Sports.
Which TV channel broadcasts ONE Championship in India?
The Star Sports Network is the official television broadcaster for ONE Championship in India. Events are typically aired on Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 2 in both SD and HD formats.
Can I watch ONE Championship on my mobile phone?
Yes, you can watch live events on your mobile phone through the Disney+ Hotstar app. Additionally, the ONE Super App and YouTube provide mobile access to various live streams and event highlights.
What time do ONE Championship events start in India?
Weekly Friday Fights usually start at 6:00 PM IST. The larger ONE Fight Night events, which often take place on Saturday mornings, typically begin between 5:30 AM and 8:00 AM IST.
