One Championship Announces 2020 Schedule, Introduces ‘Infinity Series’

One Championship has put forth its full schedule for 2020, including the creation of a new type of event branded the “One Infinity Series.”

The promotion released the lineup via press release on Thursday its remaining events in 2020. Several of these events had already been announced, but the second half of 2020 had not been beyond a few One Warrior Series cards. Most notably, the organization has replaced its event in China on April 11 with one the day before in Jakarta, Indonesia.

This event, titled One Infinity 1, will be the first of a series of tentpole events the organization hopes to lead the promotion going forward. Headlining this card will be a 135-pound title fight between champ Adriano Moraes (18-3) and grand prix champion Demetrious Johnson (30-3-1). According to the release, each of these Infinity cards will feature “the very best the world has to offer in terms of global sports and entertainment: three World Championship bouts, a minimum of 12 World Champions in action, Super Fights, A-list celebrities, and much more.”

Moraes won his title back in January 2019 in his rubber match with Geje Eustaquio, capturing the belt by unanimous verdict. Before that, he lost the strap to Eustaquio by narrow split decision. The loss snapped a four-fight win streak including three title victories, where he took home the vacant belt by submitting Tilek Batyrov in 2016. The inaugural 135-pound king, “Mikinho” is the only fighter in One history to hold three separate undisputed title reigns in one division.

Facing him will be Johnson, who has won each of his three appearances under the One banner in 2019 to become the 135-pound tournament champ. Johnson left the Ultimate Fighting Championship on the heels of a controversial split decision defeat to eventual two-division champ Henry Cejudo. “Mighty Mouse” was then involved in a "trade" that saw his release from the UFC in exchange for Ben Askren's release from One. Prior to his loss to Cejudo, Johnson went on a nearly unprecedented win streak that saw him prevail 13 times in a row, while racking up a record 11 consecutive title defenses.

Chairman and CEO of One Championship Chatri Sityodtong wrote about this new series, stating, “It is my pleasure to introduce One Infinity Series, the world's apex brand for martial arts events. One Infinity Series is a cut above anything available anywhere on the planet. Comprising the biggest events of the year, these blockbusters represent the very best One Championship has to offer in terms of world championship talent, star power, martial arts skill, entertainment value, and historical importance.”

Also of note, no events have been scheduled for the United States for 2020 despite earlier reports that the promotion was targeting shows in America. Additionally, there are no events planned this year for India or South Korea as well. The organization has also stated that these listed events are subject to change.

One Championship 2020 Card Lineup:

Feb. 28: Singapore

March 20: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

April 10: One Infinity 1, Jakarta, Indonesia

April 17: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

May 29: Manila, Philippines

June 5: Jakarta, Indonesia

June 20: Shanghai, China

July 3: Singapore

July 10: Bangkok, Thailand

Aug. 14: Manila, Philippines

Sep. 4: Singapore

Sep. 11: Jakarta, Indonesia

Sep. 18: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Oct. 2: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Oct. 9: Bangkok, Thailand

Oct. 25: Tokyo, Japan

Oct. 31: Beijing, China

Nov. 20: Singapore

Dec. 4: Jakarta, Indonesia

Dec. 11: Manila, Philippines

Dec. 18: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia