It has been a difficult year with the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc and fear all over the world.
In response to these trying times, ONE Championship CEO and Chairman Chatri Sityodtong made the next four ONE events all closed-door venues in Singapore.
That means the much awaited ONE INFINITY 1, which was originally set on 10 April at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia, will now take place at the Mall Of Asia Arena on 29 May in the Philippines.
"Bar none, the safety of our fans, athletes, staff, partners, and the public is the highest priority for ONE Championship," Sityodtong said.
"We are operating in truly extraordinary times, but my team and I remain committed to providing the best sports and entertainment action available anywhere on global broadcast today.
"For the millions of fans at home around the world, the show will go on from the comfort and safety of your living room. ONE Championship will continue to thrill you with the greatest martial artists on the planet and inspire you with their incredible stories."
Former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje "Gravity" Eustaquio acknowledged Sityodtong’s decision.
"It's a very wise move," Eustaquio said.
“On the athletes’ part, that decision is very favorable because we all know the hardships that athletes go through to prepare. It’s always a dream for them to compete so it would not be good if their matches get cancelled altogether.
“The good thing is ONE Championship understands that. That’s why I am in favor of the events to go through, albeit in closed doors. Of course, it will hurt the company a little bit, especially when it comes to gate revenue, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices.”
Strawweight stud Rene "The Challenger" Catalan echoed similar sentiments.
“For me, sir Chatri’s decision to continue the event in closed-doors is the right move,” Catalan said.
“If an event pushes through, which is open to the public, there’s a big possibility for disease transmission. It’s a good and right move to push for closed-doors as long as the competition continues.”
From a business point of view, it also sends a clear message that while ONE is doing all it can to protect its athletes’ interests, while also bringing entertainment to the homes of everyone locked down, they are more concerned with putting on great events than potentially losing revenue.
“It’s also good business from the point of view of a businessman. It starts a trend that could be imitated by other companies,” Eustaquio said.
“On the sponsors’ point of view, if I see the dedication of ONE’s leader despite everything, you’d see that it’s not about the money, but the commitment of continuing to look for ways amid the hardships.”