ONE Championship are dealing with growing concerns over the coronavirus outbreak by converting all of its events until May 29 to closed-door cards.
The news comes in the wake of UFC Brasilia card, which is scheduled to take place this weekend in Brasilia, Brazil, being announced as now being a closed-door event.
ONE FC Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong made the announcement on Facebook earlier today.
“My team and I have decided to turn all events for ONE Championship into closed-door, audience-free events effective immediately. Bar none, the safety of our fans, athletes, staff, partners, and the public is the highest priority for ONE Championship. All scheduled ONE events with live audiences will now be suspended until at least May 29, 2020 due to the extraordinary COVID-19 global situation.
“For the millions of fans at home around the world, the show will go on from the comfort and safety of your living room. Our global broadcast shows behind closed doors will commence in Singapore with an initial schedule of April 17, April 24, May 1, and May 8 respectively. Bout cards will be announced shortly for these broadcast-only shows, and additional dates will be added in the near future. Also, ONE Infinity Series, the world apex of martial arts events, is now slated to kick off on May 29, 2020 in Manila, Philippines with ONE Infinity 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“We are operating in truly extraordinary times, but my team and I remain committed to providing you the best sports and entertainment action available anywhere on global broadcast today. ONE Championship will continue to thrill you with the greatest martial artists on the planet and inspire you with their incredible stories. This virus might be on the attack right now, but I believe in the power of the human spirit. LET’S GOOOOO!!!” – Chatri Sityodtong
Sityodtong has stated that the upcoming ONE: Infinity card, which features a flyweight title fight between Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson and champion Adriano Moraes, has also been postponed and relocated.
ONE Championship recently announced multiple title fights, including the return of the former UFC and Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez.
This article first appeared on CLOSEDGUARDMEDIA.com on 12th March, 2020.
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