Manny Pacquiao purchases ownership in MMA promotion One FC — report 

Manny Pacquiao is throwing his hat into the mixed martial arts ring.

 

The Filipino fight icon has reportedly purchased an ownership in One FC, an emerging regional MMA promotion, according to Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports.

 

Iole quoted One FC chief executive officer Victor Cui, who confirmed the development.

 

"Obviously, Manny Pacquiao is a global sports icon and having him as a part of our organization as a shareholder and promoting One FC and promoting the sport is huge for the sport in the region. It promotes awareness and growth," said Cui.

 

One FC has staged several events in the Philippines, including the MMA debut of Filipino-American women's boxing champion Ana Julaton last May.

 

The development comes in a busy sports month for Pacquiao, who will be joining the PBA draft later this month as part of his quest to become playing-coach of expansion club Kia Motors. He returns to the boxing ring in November against unbeaten American fighter Chris Algieri in Macau.

 

But already, Pacquiao is setting the table for his career after hanging up his gloves. Already on his second term as congressman of Sarangani province, he has hinted at pursuing a seat in the Senate in 2016. — JST, GMA News