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https://scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3075055/coronavirus-one-championship-moves-all-events Mixed Martial Arts
Coronavirus: One Championship moves all events behind closed doors in Singapore until at least May 29
- Asian MMA organisation will host next four cards without live audiences, with Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta shows moved to Singapore
- CEO Chatri Sityodtong says ‘bar none, the safety of our fans, athletes, staff, partners, and the public is the highest priority’
Stamp Fairtex punches Janet Todd at ‘King of the Jungle’. Photo: One Championship
One Championship has announced it will move its events behind closed doors with live audiences suspended until at least May 29 in Manila following the global escalation of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Asian MMA organisation’s next four shows will all be held in Singapore and are initially set for April 17, April 24, May 1 and May 8.
One’s first blockbuster “Infinity” show, which had originally been set for April 10 in Jakarta, will now take place in the Philippines “but it’s subject to change if the coronavirus situation deteriorates” said a statement.
The Mall of Asia Area had been set to host “Infinity 2” but One has now rejigged its schedule, with bout cards to be announced soon as well as additional dates.
“My team and I have decided to turn all events for One Championship into closed-door, audience-free events effective immediately,” One CEO Chatri Sityodtong wrote in a Facebook post.
“Bar none, the safety of our fans, athletes, staff, partners, and the public is the highest priority for One Championship. The show will go on from the comfort and safety of your living room.”
One ran its “King of the Jungle” show behind closed doors at the Singapore Indoor Stadium last month, before announcing it had cancelled its March 20 “Heart of Heroes” card in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam entirely.
Demetrious Johnson had been set to fight flyweight champion Adriano Moraes in Jakarta. Aung La N Sang was also set to defend his middleweight title against Vitaly Bigdash in a trilogy fight.
The event had already been moved once from Chongqing, China, following the initial outbreak of the coronavirus in the mainland.
The “Kings & Queens” show set for April 17 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – where Garry Tonon was set to fight – will also be moved to Singapore, while the “One Warrior Series 11” event was already slated to be held in the Lion City, which is home to the organisation.
“One Championship looks forward to resuming events with live audiences once the global health and safety situation improves,” the statement added.