The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship, today announced the addition of an incredible line-up of ONE Championship athletes and World Champions who will join ‘The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition’ as special guest stars on ONE’s unique version of the hit reality television series.
ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera leads a superstar ensemble that includes ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee, ONE Flyweight Grand Prix World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, Indian wrestling champion Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat, “Super” Sage Northcutt, and ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan.
One athlete is expected to guest star per episode, and will participate in physical challenges that will test athletic ability and cardio endurance.
Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, said he was excited to announce appearance of the ONE athletes in The Apprentice.
“Our athletes at ONE Championship are the backbone of our organization. They are real-life, modern day heroes who inspire the world with their incredible stories. Their discipline and wisdom will inspire and mentor our contestants. It is my honor to star alongside these amazing human beings on the show,” said Sityodtong.
Brandon Vera, ONE Heavyweight World Champion, said it was an honor to be selected as guest star.
“I’ve been dreaming of the possibilities and the many things I can learn from this experience. I’m really excited to be a part of the show and help in any way I can, especially in the physical endurance challenges. I get to go from the gym to the boardroom war tables, let’s make it happen,” said Vera.
Angela Lee, ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion, noted the opportunity to bring together two very different worlds – martial arts and business.
“I’m excited to see how those two worlds unite. I’m honored to be able to share my experiences, my talents, and my presence on the show. Being the youngest mixed martial arts world champion in history, I know I have a lot to offer the contestants as far as experience, and work ethic goes, and I can’t wait to impart some of my knowledge that could help them in their journey. As far as physical challenges go, I am ready,” said Lee.
Xiong Jing Nan, ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion, expressed her love for interacting with fans as well as her gratitude for the spot on The Apprentice.
“Whatever the challenges may be, whether they are athletic or business challenges, I’m up for it. Of course, I’m also open to learning as much as I can from Chatri, from the contestants, and from the many CEOs also appearing. Getting to share my experience as a World Champion, I can’t wait to get this started and offer what I can to the show. It’s a privilege to be selected among the athlete guest stars, and to be able to represent China globally on one of the biggest television shows in history is a dream come true,” said Xiong.
Ritu Phogat, Indian Wrestling World Champion, said he was honored and privileged to appear on the show with so many top leaders of the business world.
“As an athlete you are always part of a team, a team which consists of players, coaches, managers, doctors, and more, and everyone has their role and everyone helps each other to achieve common goals. Similarly in business, there are individuals with special skill sets and they come together and work together to achieve common and individual goals. It will be very interesting to observe, learn, and connect with my experience on The Apprentice. I’m also looking forward to participating in the physical challenges with the contestants,” said Phogat.
Demetrious Johnson, ONE Flyweight Grand Prix World Champion, recognized that the The Apprentice is one of the biggest reality television franchises in history.
“It is my absolute pleasure to appear on The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition. I have no doubt ONE Championship will put a very interesting spin on the traditional format. I’m looking forward to participating in all sorts of challenges, from physical endurance challenges to business challenges,” said Johnson.
Sage Northcutt, ONE Athlete, expressed his excitement at being on The Apprentice.
“While martial arts is a lot different from the business world, I'm sure there are also many similarities. I'm excited to appear on the show and learn from Mr. Chatri, a martial artist and an entrepreneur. I'm also looking forward to participating in the physical challenges! I’m super competitive and, as always, I'm going to give it my all. I’m thrilled to be able to help bring the world of martial arts and business together,” said Northcutt.
