The most recent ONE Championship show marked the first instance of a major MMA organization taking significant steps to combat the spread of the coronavirus, as the promotion placed “ONE Championship 109: King of the Jungle” behind closed doors on Friday, Feb. 28. The event played out to a virtually empty arena at Singapore Indoor Stadium, as the fighters battled it out inside the ONE Championship circle while the fans stayed in their homes, and Asia began the routine we all now recognize as “self-isolation” and “social distancing.” The night’s main event featured a rematch for the ONE atomweight women’s kickboxing title, as America’s Janet Todd avenged her prior loss to Thailand’s Stamp Fairtex to capture her first ONE title after another highly-competitive battle. Related ONE Championship stars Miesha Tate, Brandon Vera meet U.S. troops in Guam ONE Championship moves all April, May events behind closed doors during coronavirus crisis It was a disappointing night for Singapore’s own Amir Khan (12-7), who was submitted by rising Japanese prospect Kimihiro Eto (17-5), while Asian MMA legend Yoshihiro Akiyama (15-7) defied his 44 years to knock out Sherif Mohamed (9-6) in the first round of their welterweight bout. There was also an impressive win for Florida’s Troy Worthen (7-0), who extended his unbeaten record with a dominant victory over New Zealand’s Mark Abelardo (19-7).
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