New Zealand MMA fighter Ev Ting is challenging for the One Championship lightweight title on April 21.

For most casual observers, the UFC is mixed martials arts. But there is much more to the sport than those three letters, as one Kiwi fighter is showing.

On April 21 in Manila, Ev Ting will square off against champion Eduard Folayang for the One Championship lightweight title.

While the UFC dominates in the Western world, One is the major player in Asia and its reach is staggering.

ONE CHAMPIONSHIP Ev Ting has won seven of eight fights in the One Championship, the biggest MMA organisation in Asia.

Since its inception in 2011, the Singapore-based promotion has grown into the biggest sports media property on the continent with events across Asia broadcast to 118 countries and a potential audience of more than one billion viewers.

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"The hype is real in Asia and they take their media to new levels," Ting told Fairfax this week during a promotional visit to Manila.

"The market is pretty much dominated (by One) in Asia. Now it's breaking into China as well but most of the TV networks are all connected to One Championship."

It is a huge stage to showcase his craft and one the 27-year-old Malaysian-born fighter has taken full advantage of.

But only after years of hard work and dedication.

Having emigrated to Auckland with his family aged six, it was not until Ting left high school that he found MMA.

He joined the Auckland MMA gym in 2009, where he still trains today, progressing through the amateur ranks before turning pro two years later and winning his first three bouts.

Ironically, though, it was only after being "choked out cold" during a fight which he took on short notice in Macau when doors began to open for him in Asia.

That, and being in the right place at the right time.

"They saw I was hearty and I wasn't going to give up. And before you knew it I got offered a job in Kuala Lumpur, where I was born, and it only made sense (to move).

"The scene in south east Asia was really new. I won my fight after that, built up my resume and I had the New Zealand SFC featherweight title at the time as well so everyone was really curious to learn more."

Ting signed with One in 2014 after approaching chief executive Victor Cui at an event and the decision has been beneficial for both parties.

He has won seven of his eight bouts in the promotion, most recently out-pointing former UFC veteran Kamal Shalorus to become the first Malaysian-born fighter to challenge for an MMA world title.

While he holds appeal through his Asian heritage, One has a global cast of fighters with six of its 10 champions hailing from other parts of the world.

And Cui says the organisation is a viable option for any Kiwi fighter.

"Asia is where the explosion is happening and if you can build a fan base out here, there's 4.1 billion people, that's a big opportunity for any athlete or any brand to be a part of," Cui said.

"Ev shows a great path for New Zealand athletes where there's opportunities to build the fan base in Asia, rise through the ranks through hard work and a winning track record and earn your title shot."

Having started his training camp in New Zealand, Ting will wrap up preparations at his second base in Bali.

But Auckland MMA, where he works under the guidance of long-time coach Hamish Robertson, will always be "home".

"You could almost say it's in the blood. My coach and my day one team is there.

"I still talk to my coach a lot about game-planning and how my camp's going. I don't have to do pads with him every day to say I'm training with him."

Folayang (17-5) is making his first title defence following a shock win over Japanese sensation Shinya Aoki last November

The Filipino is a world class striker through his background in wushu and their bout is expected to be a stand-up war, while he also has the luxury of fighting in his own backyard.

But fully confident in his ability and preparation, Ting, who has an overall record of 13-3, prides himself in always being one step ahead.

"He's a very solid, well-rounded champion. I definitely want to test my striking skills against him.

"But people who watch my fights will know I'm a fighter that exposes holes in my opponents' games."

As is the case in combat sports, the road to the top is full of sacrifice and Ting is no different. His title fight is the culmination of eight years of commitment and even he admits he could have made more money working at McDonalds during the same period.

Now he is ready to reap the rewards but it is just the start of what he hopes to achieve.

"I see the title as a new start. It's the first step in cementing my true legacy of becoming a great fighter.

"Being away from home has helped me visualise everything that's going on and balance all the pressure. I feel like everything is going the way it should be and as long as I don't get injured it's going to be a big night for me."

AT A GLANCE

ONE Championship: Kings of Destiny

Eduard 'Landslide' Folayang v Ev 'E.T.' Ting for the lightweight title

Mall Of Asia Arena, Manila, April 21