ONE Championship’s Russian fighters removed from cards in Singapore – ‘it’s just about international sentiment’, Chatri Sityodtong says
- Russian fighters will be ‘back in action’ when organisation resumes events outside its home city, CEO and chairman Sityodtong says
- Several are taken off the Asian martial arts promotion’s 10th anniversary showcase, ONE X, but will still be paid their show money
There will be no Russian fighters competing on ONE Championship’s upcoming events in Singapore, as the local government has banned athletes from competing in the city state.
“In consideration of the international sentiments around the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, currently arranged bouts involving ONE’s Russian athletes will be/have been rescheduled,” a statement from the Asian martial arts promotion read. “We remain focused on supporting athletes affected by the current situation.”
ONE Championship is based out of Singapore, and has hosted most of its events throughout the pandemic at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Its 10th anniversary celebration ONE X – which is set for March 26 – will see the return of a full crowd following the recent relaxation of local Covid-19 restrictions. But the Russian fighters originally slated to appear on the card will no longer have the opportunity.
Fighters removed from the bill include Islam Murtazaev, who was lined up to meet Nieky Holzken in a lightweight kick-boxing bout, and Yusup Saadulaev, who was set to battle Japan’s Shoko Sato in a bantamweight MMA bout.
Alaverdi Ramazonov was also pulled from a bantamweight Muay Thai title bout against the champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, and has been replaced by Brazil’s Felipe Lobo.
“It’s just about international sentiment,” ONE chairman and CEO Chatri told the Post during a virtual media scrum after Friday’s ONE: Lights Out event.