One Championship Fighter in Singapore

ONE Championship, Asia’s largest sports media property, is returning to the Singapore martial arts scene with its first major international event since they closed its doors due to the country’s COVID restrictions

While fights have resumed earlier in countries like China and Thailand, only local athletes could participate as international competitors were unable to fly in due to the pandemic.

Singapore’s event will be the first to allow international fighters to participate since the MMA organsation suspended fights about four months ago.

Tell me more about the event.

Local and international athletes will compete in six bouts under the ONE: REIGN OF DYNASTIES event which kicks off this Friday (9 October) at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The main event will have two-sport ONE World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao defending the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title against top contender Josh Tonnawill of Australia.

This will be followed with ONE: ‘Reign of Dynasties’ II set for 16 October.

Can I watch the fights live?

Online, yes. Local and global fans can enjoy the matches from ONE Championship’s official app, social media channels, and other partnering platforms. Due to safety measures, the event will proceed with no crowds in attendance and strictly behind closed doors.

Any other safety precautions taken?

Yes. In a virtual press release on Tuesday (6 October), the Singapore-based organisation’s CEO Chatri Sityodtong shared that international competitors flying in from Australia, China, and Malaysia will undergo tests for the virus before departure, on arrival, and during the duration of their stay. They have been granted special visas and will not be subject to quarantine upon arrival in Singapore.

They will also be transported from the airport to the hotel and confined to their rooms, with security implementing protocols on each floor, to reduce the risk of spread.

Ong Ling Lee, Director of Sports at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) shared that together with STB, they “will test-bed appropriate safe management measures in this important production pilot that could pave the way for sports events to take place in the future”.