- domjlau
- Jun 6
By Dom Lau, Ring Announcer for One Championship
As the voice behind ONE Championship’s events, I’ve had a front-row seat to the pulse of combat sports. From the roar of the crowd to the digital buzz on platforms like Instagram and X, the industry is evolving at a breakneck pace. Combat sports are poised for exciting changes that will redefine how fans engage and how brands connect. Here are three trends I’m watching closely, informed by my (somewhat humble) experience hyping global audiences with “Here We Go!”—and what they mean for the future.
1. Virtual Event Streaming: The New Arena
Streaming platforms like Prime Video have transformed how fans experience combat sports. In 2025, expect virtual event streaming to dominate, with enhanced features like interactive overlays, real-time stats, and multi-angle views. As a ring announcer, I’ve seen how ONE Championship’s global broadcasts on platforms like Prime Video amplify the excitement, bringing fights to millions worldwide. This shift isn’t just about accessibility—it’s about creating immersive experiences that make fans feel like they’re cageside.
Why it matters: Brands and organizations will lean into partnerships with streaming giants, creating opportunities for dynamic hosts and content creators to bridge live and digital audiences.
2. Social Media as the Ultimate Fan Engagement Tool
Social media platforms like Instagram (@domjlau) and X are no longer just marketing tools—they’re the heart of fan engagement. In 2025, combat sports will double down on short-form video content, behind-the-scenes access, and athlete-driven storytelling. I’ve seen firsthand how a single post can spark global conversations among ONE Championship fans. From live polls during events to exclusive fighter Q&As, social media is building communities that transcend borders.
Why it matters: Professionals who can craft authentic, high-energy content—like the kind I deliver in the ring—will be in demand to drive engagement for sports brands and media companies.
3. Personalized Fan Experiences Through Technology
From AI-driven fight predictions to VR training sessions, technology is personalizing how fans interact with combat sports. A standout example is ONE Championship’s new mobile game, ONE Fight Arena, launched in April 2025 on Google Play and Apple’s App Store. This free-to-play game is a strategic mash-up of match-3 puzzles and fast-paced player-versus-player (PvP) fighting, built on the Sui blockchain for optional Web3 integration, offering fans digital ownership and authentic fight experiences.
Players can select from a wide variety of ONE athletes, such as MMA legend and former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, former longtime ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion Stamp Fairtex, and current ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty, among many others. With real-time battles and reward systems, it creates tailored, immersive experiences. As an announcer, I thrive on reading the crowd’s energy, and tech like ONE Fight Arena takes that connection to the next level by letting fans shape their own combat sports journey.
Why it matters: Companies will seek creative professionals who understand both live performance and digital innovation to elevate these experiences, from blockchain-based games to AI-enhanced fan interactions.
My Take as a Ring Announcer
Whether I’m calling out a fighter’s name or hyping a global audience, my role is about creating moments that resonate. These trends—streaming, social media, and personalized tech like ONE Fight Arena—mirror what I do in the ring: connect, engage, and energize. Combat sports in 2025 will be about bringing fans closer to the action, and I’m excited to be part of that evolution.
What trend excites you most in combat sports? Drop a comment below and tell me how it is!!
For more behind-the-scenes insights, follow me on Instagram (@domjlau) or visit domjlau.com.