ONE Championship Announces Closed-Door Events Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship, announced on 13 March that they will hold only closed-door, audience-free events – effective immediately.

This follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global pandemic in light of the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, more commonly known as coronavirus.

ONE will suspend events with live audiences until 29 May. In the interim, The Home Of Martial Arts will host globally broadcast shows behind closed doors in Singapore.

They will hold events on 17 April, 24 April, 1 May, and 8 May, and will announce bout cards for the respective shows in the coming weeks.

Also, the inaugural ONE Infinity Series show has been moved to a later release date and is set to commence on 29 May in Manila, Philippines at the Mall Of Asia Arena.

“Bar none, the safety of our fans, athletes, staff, partners, and the public is the highest priority for ONE Championship,” said Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship.

“We are operating in truly extraordinary times, but my team and I are committed to providing the best sports and entertainment action available anywhere on global broadcast today.”

As cancellations of premier events from major global sports media properties including the NBA, NHL, and MLB continue to grow, Sityodtong is confident that ONE Championship can step up to fill the void.

“For the millions of fans at home around the world, the show will go on from the comfort and safety of your living room,” he said.

“ONE Championship will continue to thrill you with the greatest martial artists on the planet and inspire you with their incredible stories.”

In addition, the ONE Esports Dota 2 Jakarta Invitational from April 18 - 19 will now be moved and combined with the recently announced ONE Esports Dota 2 Indonesia Invitational from November 23 - 29.

The ONE Esports Dota 2 Regional Qualifier in Jakarta from March 14 - 15 will be moved to a studio-only streamed event across various platforms. Streaming details are available here.