Victor Cui leaves ONE Championship

ONE Championship CEO International Victor Cui has left Asia's premier martial arts promotion.

His departure was announced on Monday by ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong through a Facebook post.

Sityodtong added that Cui has joined his hometown football team, Edmonton Elks FC, as its President and CEO.

"My heart is filled with nostalgia and sadness to see him leave, but it is also filled with joy and happiness that he is going to chase another big dream," he said.

"In many ways, it is the mysterious circle of life at play. As a child, Victor grew up in Edmonton as a big fan of the Edmonton Elks and now he gets to run the entire organization and give back to his cherished hometown," he added.

Cui was a key member of ONE Championship during its early days. A darling of the media, he was often present during press conferences and fights to attend to the press and fighters. He was also responsible for signing the pioneers of Team Lakay to ONE Championship.

While Cui has given up his role as CEO International, Sityodong said that the Filipino-Chinese remains a shareholder of the company and part of its board of advisors.

"I am confident that Victor will succeed in his new role just as he has in all of his roles at ONE. Victor is an extraordinary leader with a heart of gold," said Sityodtong.

"Victor also has a standing job offer to return to ONE at any time in the future at his choice. Of course, he remains a significant shareholder of ONE too. Without a doubt, Victor will be missed by all of us at ONE."

—MGP, GMA News