MMA: ONE Championship announces 2019 calendar, expands fight to Tokyo

The announcement was made during a press conference led by Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, Chatri Sityodtong on Thursday.

"Japan has a rich martial arts culture and history, and ONE Championship has been planning for a very long time to bring our authentic martial arts experience right here to the fans, deep in the heart of Asia.

"Our mission at ONE Championship is sacred, we want to unleash martial arts superheroes unto the world -- world-class athletes who ignite passion and hope, and who help weave martial arts into the very fabric of human life. By sharing their stories with the world, ONE Championship aims to change the lives of many through the beauty of sport and discipline.

"It is our absolute pleasure to announce today that we will be officially holding our first ever live event in Tokyo next March,” he said.

Besides that, ONE Championship 2019 calendar of events, will also see the promotion return to its strong roots in Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, China, and Thailand.

Two events in Tokyo are scheduled for the year, taking place in March and October, while new markets Vietnam and South Korea are also introduced.

Jakarta, Indonesia - 19 January

Manila, Philippines - 25 January

Bangkok, Thailand - 16 February

Singapore - 22 February

Yangon, Myanmar - 8 March

Tokyo, Japan - 31 March

Manila, Philippines - 5 April

Jakarta, Indonesia - 4 May

Bangkok, Thailand - 11 May

Singapore - 17 May

Beijing, China - 7 June

Macau, China - 15 June

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - 28 June

Guangzhou, China - 20 July

Manila, Philippines - 2 August

Bangkok, Thailand - 17 August

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam - 6 September

Tokyo, Japan - 11 October

Jakarta, Indonesia - 26 October

Shanghai, China - 9 November

Singapore - 22 November

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - 6 December

Manila, Philippines - 13 December