When asking yourself about something to do near me in Miami with a group of friends or family, consider
ONE FC
Why ONE FC is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
ONE FC, formerly known as ONE Fighting Championship until its rebranding in 2015, has grown into a leading multinational combat sports promotion since its inception in 2011. Founded by Chatri Sityodtong and Victor Cui, the organization offers a dynamic blend of martial arts disciplines including mixed martial arts (MMA), Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling. With its roots in Asia, ONE FC holds events that attract both world-class athletes and passionate fans from across the continent and beyond. A notable feature is their flagship numbered events, which showcase multiple world championship bouts and feature some of the most skilled martial artists globally, promising high-octane competition inside the Circle and the ring. The organization frequently hosts Fight Nights, which highlight top talent and world title fights with prime-time broadcasts, expanding their reach to international audiences, including in the United States via Amazon Prime Video. Weekly events such as ONE Friday Fights, held at Lumpinee Stadium in Thailand, celebrate the artistry and excitement of striking disciplines, making it an ideal meetup spot for fans who appreciate technical prowess and thrilling bouts. Additionally, the Road To ONE global recruitment league offers emerging regional talent a pathway into the spotlight, emphasizing the promotion’s commitment to the sport’s growth and development worldwide. The blend of diverse fighting styles, regular and widely accessible events, and the inclusion of both elite champions and promising newcomers makes ONE FC a vibrant and exciting venue for martial arts enthusiasts to gather, celebrate, and engage with the sport.
Here's what people think of ONE FC
As of recent, ONE FC holds a 3.9-star rating based on 22 reviews.
Reviews of ONE FC reflect a community passionate about martial arts and appreciative of the organization’s efforts to bring high-level competition to a broad audience. Many positive comments highlight the quality and variety of fights, praising the caliber of athletes and the thrilling nature of the events. Viewers commend the organization for showcasing multiple martial arts disciplines and creating a platform where fighters from various styles can compete at the highest level. The regular programming schedule—covering flagship numbered events, Fight Nights, and weekly Friday night bouts—also earns praise for offering consistent entertainment and accessibility, enabling fans to follow both established champions and fresh talent. Fans also appreciate the integration of traditional martial arts values such as integrity, respect, and discipline in the promotion’s culture and media, including reality series that blend business competition with martial artistry. However, some negative reviews point to a rating of 3.9 out of 5 from 22 reviews, suggesting mixed experiences. Criticisms occasionally focus on production quality concerns, such as broadcast delays or technical issues during live streams, and a desire for more expansive global distribution. Some viewers have noted that the diverse range of fighting styles, while exciting, can feel disjointed in event pacing. Despite these points, the overall consensus recognizes ONE FC’s important role in growing combat sports, providing a unique and passionate fan experience. In conclusion, while improvements could be made in live event production and global accessibility, ONE FC is widely viewed as a dynamic promotion that effectively combines elite martial arts action with cultural values, making it a popular meeting ground for fans and athletes alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Krystele Soray
Joining ONE FC in August 2024 was the best thing for my son. He’s developed so much as a defensive player and was named one of the most improved on his team. The coaches are amazing, and the club's positive atmosphere has reignited his passion for soccer. Couldn’t ask for a better experience. Let's go ONE FC!!!
Dr Sunny Khachatryan
My son Brave is very happy to be part a lovely organization. The leadership is great. Looking forward to the season and upcoming experiences.
Ryan Reed
Pros: One week of soccer training provided by coaches who came from Spain. Professional uniforms, nice equipment. Overall: a well-run operation with a sense of discipline for today's electronic device addicted youngsters. Also, they say there is a possibility for selection to go to Spain at the end of the camp but I'm unsure if this is rigged as I received no feedback on who was selected and why? Cons: This camp takes place in Miami, Florida during the summer. Yearly tropical summer weather in Miami guarantees rain and thunderstorms in the noon to afternoon time frame. There is no indoor space to practice or play games. Once the weather rolled in the children were brought indoors to a non-soccer playing area to sit around. Although the Barca Academy readily takes your $500 a child, if the rain comes in no money is refunded or credit awarded for future camps. Felt like a bit of a scam. This U.S. hosted camp unfortunately has several coaches that don't Habla Ingles (speak English) very well. This left my two sons a little lost when coaches decided to only speak Spanish during coaching and got frustrated when my sons didn't understand Spanish. Based on my experience I would be hesitant to sign up for next year unless they had an indoor facility and coaches who spoke the language of the country they were in.
Lana
My review was initially posted for Barća Academy Pro Miami Academy, it had 5 stars. I changed it to one star. One FC grabbed the location from Barca in May 2024. My family had an unpleasant experience with those who founded One FC, it was damaging for our kid and it was a damaging experience for family budget because founders care less for anything but profits. All reviews for this location posted before May 2024 belong to Barća Academy Pro Miami Academy. Barća Academy Pro Miami Academy Coaches are amazing - super professional and friendly with kids. Everything was well organized and supervision was an extra benefit for all when my son was a part of Barća Academy Pro Miami. I highly recommend Barća Academy Pro Miami for kids development in soccer, for development of proper values and for transparency.
Farner Blaise
I am so proud to be part of this amazing organization. One FC is my son's second home and the level of coaching is incredible.
How to reach ONE FC
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Website: None
Why ONE FC may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at ONE FC with your friends?
Gathering friends and family at ONE FC offers a uniquely thrilling and communal experience that goes beyond just watching a traditional sporting event. ONE FC, Asia's largest martial arts organization, specializes in electrifying mixed martial arts (MMA), Muay Thai, and kickboxing events, showcasing exhilarating live action that grips audiences from start to finish. The energy in the venue, carefully crafted to resemble the electric atmosphere of a rock concert, ensures everyone feels the excitement and raw power in the cage. Watching world-class athletes compete at their peak together creates unforgettable bonding moments and sparks lively discussions and shared adrenaline rushes. Moreover, ONE FC events are infused with compelling narratives of courage, integrity, and resilience, providing inspirational stories that can motivate a group and deepen the appreciation of martial arts culture. The broad appeal of ONE FC, capturing the passion of combat sports while delivering high-quality production and global reach, makes it an ideal rendezvous point for socializing, cheering, and celebrating with friends and family in a dynamic and safe environment.
What activities can you enjoy at ONE FC and why is it perfect for group meetups?
At ONE FC, the central attraction is the live martial arts competition, which includes MMA bouts, Muay Thai kickboxing matches, and other martial arts showcases. These events offer nonstop action-packed entertainment that keeps groups engaged over several hours, making it perfect for extended social gatherings. Besides just watching fights, attendees often partake in pre-match discussions and post-fight analysis, fostering a natural social atmosphere where fans can share predictions, cheer for their favorite fighters, or even debate match outcomes. The venue itself is designed to accommodate groups comfortably, offering good sightlines to the cage and communal seating arrangements that encourage interaction. Additionally, the highly professional production quality—featuring dynamic lighting, impressive sound systems, and seamless live broadcasts—enhances the immersive experience for everyone, large or small groups alike. ONE FC also occasionally hosts meet-and-greet opportunities, autograph signings, and fan engagement activities where groups can connect more personally with fighters or learn about martial arts culture together, adding memorable layers to the meetup experience.
How does ONE FC create a unique atmosphere for social gatherings and what makes it stand out?
The atmosphere at ONE FC events stands out because it blends the intensity of combat sports with the excitement and showmanship of major entertainment spectacles. The founder, Chatri Sityodtong, intentionally designed the experience to resemble a rock concert, where lighting, music, and presentation elevate the live fights to dramatic heights. This high-energy setting creates a communal vibe where enthusiasm is contagious, making it easy for groups to bond over the shared thrill. Unlike many sports venues that can feel impersonal, ONE FC fosters a sense of connection through its focus on storytelling—highlighting fighters' journeys of struggle and triumph, which adds emotional depth to each bout. For groups, this is not just about watching physical contests but experiencing meaningful narratives together that spark discussions about perseverance, respect, and honor. The venue’s layout and amenities emphasize spectator comfort and social interaction, with areas conducive to group conversations during breaks and after the fights, supporting a seamless mix of entertainment and socializing.
What are the logistics and conveniences that make ONE FC suitable for hosting friend and family meetups?
ONE FC's headquarters and main event locations often feature modern facilities designed to accommodate everything a group might need for a comfortable outing. Located in centrally accessible urban hubs, the venues offer ample parking and public transport connections to ease group arrival and departure logistics. Inside, there are concessions and food vendors offering a variety of options, so groups with diverse tastes can find refreshments without sacrificing their spot or missing any of the action. Partners and sponsors often bring exclusive merchandise and interactive booths that further enrich the experience and provide souvenirs that commemorate group outings. The organization’s reputation as Asia’s largest sports media property means that tickets are generally reliable, and the events are professionally managed to prioritize safety, crowd control, and an enjoyable overall experience, making it straightforward for groups to plan and feel confident in their visit. The option to stream many events globally also allows hybrid meetups where some attendees watch together in person while others join remotely, demonstrating ONE FC’s flexibility in engagement.
Why do fans and groups choose ONE FC over other sports or entertainment venues for social outings?
Fans and groups often choose ONE FC because it offers a rare combination of authentic martial arts culture and world-class sports entertainment that few other venues or sports can match. The organization's broad appeal across martial arts disciplines ensures that even newcomers to the sport can quickly become engaged, guided by the compelling narratives of courage and respect that underpin every event. Compared to other sports, the pace of action and stakes in MMA and striking bouts provide a level of excitement that keeps groups consistently energized and involved. Moreover, ONE FC’s growth into a global brand with broadcasting in over 190 countries means staying connected to a worldwide community of fans, which adds a sense of belonging for groups attending events. The organization’s emphasis on producing heroes and positive role models presents a community-oriented experience rather than purely commercial entertainment. Even with a rating around 3.9 from some 22 reviews, many attendees highlight the event production, fighter talent, and engaging atmosphere as key reasons to rally friends and family here for an outstanding social and sporting outing.
What potential concerns might attendees want to be aware of before organizing large group visits to ONE FC?
While ONE FC offers a compelling event experience, some controversies and criticisms have emerged regarding the organization’s treatment of athletes and internal management practices. Former fighters have publicly shared grievances about fighter contracts, fight scheduling, and alleged favoritism, which may affect perceptions of the promotion's ethics and long-term sustainability. For groups particularly interested in ethical consumption of sports entertainment or athlete welfare, these reports might influence their decision-making regarding attendance. However, from a visitor and spectator perspective, the events themselves remain highly produced and entertaining, and representing a significant cultural phenomenon in martial arts across Asia. It's advisable for groups to moderate their expectations and focus on the entertainment value and social aspects while being aware of the broader industry context. Coordinating logistics such as ticket purchasing ahead of time and confirming event schedules can also ensure smooth planning given the organization's ambitious event calendar and fast growth.
How can you maximize your experience when attending ONE FC with a group?
Maximizing your group experience at ONE FC starts with good planning: purchasing tickets early to secure the best seats together and deciding the best event to attend based on the matchups or fighters that interest your group most. Arriving early is key to immersing everyone in the pre-fight excitement and securing spots at concession stands or meet-and-greet sessions. Engaging with other fans around you, sharing insights and predictions about the upcoming bouts, heightens the communal spirit and fosters new friendships. During the event, paying attention to the storytelling segments and fighter backgrounds shown on big screens can deepen group appreciation and prompt meaningful conversations. Post-event discussions and dining together nearby prolong the positive group dynamics and create lasting memories. Using social media to follow ONE FC updates before and after the event can also keep your group connected and informed about upcoming activities, making it easier to return for future gatherings focused on martial arts entertainment.