One Championship to Hold All Upcoming Events Behind Closed Doors Due to Coronavirus

The coronavirus is wreaking havoc on sports organizations all around the world, including major mixed martial arts promotions.

One Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced on Thursday that all upcoming One events will be held behind closed doors, with no audiences. This will include every event until May 29, spanning five events from the March 20 Heart of Heroes event to the Kings & Queens show on April 17. Instead, the events will begin on April 17, every weekend with each card taking place in Singapore.

In addition to the change in status of these cards, the planned One Infinity 1 card that featured Demetrious Johnson taking on Adriano Moraes for the 135-pound title has been pushed to May 29. It was initially scheduled for April 10 at the Istora Senaya in Jakarta, Indonesia, but will instead take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

The organization previously postponed an event that was set to go down on March 20, and moved it to June 26. This concern follows cancellations or suspensions from major international sporting leagues, including the NBA, the NHL, MLB, NCAA basketball, the spring schedule of NCAA football, boxing in certain states, MLS and the Champions and Europa Leagues. Additionally, the PGA and NASCAR events will be held without fans, like other MMA organizations including Combate Americas.

Sityodtong’s statement regarding the change in One events reads as follows:

BREAKING NEWS: 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 with an initial schedule of April 17, April 24, May 1, and May 8 respectively all in Singapore. 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!!! #WeAreONE