ONE Lumpinee has continued its lengthy reign at the top of Thai combat sports television ratings, according to the latest Nielsen report.
The weekly fight series has more than double the viewership numbers of all but one of its competitors in the popular category, marking an astonishing rise for the program.
ONE Championship launched the show held at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok in January 2023. The exciting Muay Thai rule set features bouts contested over three rounds with fighters wearing 4-ounce MMA gloves.
The result is an action-packed spectacle from bell to bell, with numerous fights ending inside the distance during the 63 events broadcasted to date.
Among its 12-fight cards, ONE Lumpinee also features at least two bouts in other sports such as mixed martial arts, kickboxing, or submission grappling.
While the unique take on Thailand’s national-pastime-turned-soft-power raised eyebrows, ONE Lumpinee has become an award-winning ratings juggernaut in a relatively short space of time.
The program was honoured as the "Best Sports Program 2023" at the Nataraja Awards this past May 12.
A contributing factor to its success is the emergence of local fighters who’ve become global stars via the ONE Lumpinee platform.
Among the athletes to win a life-changing 3.5-million-baht contract with ONE Championship is "The Queen" Phetjeeja, who went on to become the ONE women’s atomweight kickboxing world champion.
Ultra-aggressive fan favourite Seksan Or Kwanmuang has also enjoyed a stunning career renaissance on the global stage after going on a tear at ONE Lumpinee, while rising star Kongthoranee Sor Sommai also made a name for himself on the show.
ONE Lumpinee airs every Friday on Channel 7HD from 19.30 to 23.30.