The biggest event in ONE Championship history is just a few days away, and today the principle figures on the card got together in Tokyo.
“ONE Championship: A New Era” takes place Sunday at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo and is the promotion’s debut in Japan. There are four title fights at the top of the card, plus the promotional debut of former UFC and Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez in the ongoing lightweight tournament, and the opening round of the flyweight tournament, which features ex-UFC champ Demetrious Johnson.
Inside, check out what the title fighters, Alvarez and Johnson had to say at today’s news conference at the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo.
Chatri Sityodtong, ONE Championship Chairman and CEO
“We don’t sell fights like every other organization in the world. We build heroes who ignite the world with hope, strength, dreams and inspiration. This is ONE Championship. As a lifelong martial artist, I want the world to see the true beauty of martial arts. Our heroes, our world champions – they exemplify the very best of humanity. I am very excited to be here in Japan. We are the only truly global sports media property in Asia celebrating our greatest cultural treasure: martial arts. ‘ONE: A New Era’ is the biggest martial arts event in the history of the world.”
Eduard Folayang, ONE lightweight champion
“I am well-prepared for this bout. I am so happy to be here in Japan for this historic event. I know Shinya has prepared well, also, and I am expecting the very best from him. This rematch is three years in the making. It’s an honor to face Shinya again. I believe this event is going to be explosive. History will be made.”
Shinya Aoki, ONE lightweight title challenger
“I am thankful that ONE Championship is in my home country. This is a great step forward for martial arts in Japan. I am laser focused for this coming match. I’ve trained very hard for my opponent. This Sunday night, I am confident I can achieve victory and become world champion once again.”
Jing Nan Xiong, ONE women’s strawweight champion
“I will face a tough opponent in Angela Lee, but I am confident I can defend my title. Sunday, Angela and I will bring the best of us. I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to compete and showcase my skills on such a huge platform. I want to give the fans a fight they will never forget.”
Angela Lee, ONE women’s atomweight champion/strawweight title challenger
“We’ve been training for Xiong for a while now. I think her style and my style match up perfectly. We’re both very aggressive. Going for this second world title at strawweight is a dream I’ve had for a long time. Thank you so much for the warm welcome, Japan. I am so excited. This Sunday, history will be made.”
Aung La N Sang, ONE middleweight champion
“It’s an honor and a dream come true for me to be fighting here in Japan. I want to thank Japan for the hospitality. Ken Hasegawa is a worthy opponent and I can’t wait to run it back with him. This is going to be a fight that fans will definitely enjoy. I am super excited to put on a show for you all this Sunday.”
Ken Hasegawa, middleweight title challenger
“This rematch is very important for my career. Last year, we did battle and I gave everything I had. This time, I plan to do the same. I am willing to do whatever it takes to win. Aung La N Sang is an amazing champion, but I plan to shock the world this Sunday.”
Kevin Belingon, ONE bantamweight champion
“This is my first time fighting in Japan, and I’m very happy to be here. I know how important this third fight is with Bibiano. I’ve trained very hard and fans will be happy with my performance. Looking back at our previous encounters, I know my opponent well now. I think he knows who I am also. I’m looking forward to putting on another show and hopefully get the knockout.”
Bibiano Fernandes, bantamweight title challenger
“Kevin is a great champion. He has earned everything he has now, and I’m happy for him. But I really truly believe I won the first fight. In this third fight, I’m going to take the belt back. I’m going to prove to everyone that I’m still the best in the world and start a new reign as world champion.”
Eddie Alvarez, former UFC and Bellator lightweight champion
“I am focused on my opponent, Timofey. I asked for the most dangerous guy, and I got him. I’ve trained very hard for this fight. My mind and body are ready. I’m looking at that shiny belt right there – it’s the only one I don’t have. That’s the goal. Whatever it takes, however long it takes, my goal is to win the ONE Championship world title.”
Demetrious Johnson, former UFC flyweight champion
“This is the next step in my evolution as an athlete. It should be interesting. For me, it’s a long time coming fighting in front of my Japanese fan base. I’m not taking Yuya Wakamatsu lightly. I just want to go out there and do what I do best – be the best Demetrious Johnson I can be.”
The “ONE Championship: A New Era” lineup includes:
MAIN CARD (ONE app)
- Champ Eduard Folayang vs. Shinya Aoki – for lightweight title
- Champ Angela Lee vs. Jin Nan Xiong – for strawweight title
- Champ Aung La N Sang vs. Ken Hasegawa – for middleweight title
- Champ Kevin Belingon vs. Bibiano Fernandes – for bantamweight title
- Demetrious Johnson vs. Yuya Wakamatsu – flyweight tournament opening round
- Eddie Alvarez vs. Timofey Nastyukhin – lightweight tournament opening round
PRELIMINARY CARD (ONE app)
- Senzo Ikeda vs. Danny Kingad – flyweight tournament opening round
- Ivanildo Delfino vs. Tatsumitsu Wada – flyweight tournament opening round
- Kairat Akhmetov vs. Reece McLaren – flyweight tournament opening round
- Kseniya Lachkova vs. Mei Yamaguchi
- Anthony Engelen vs. Garry Tonon
For more on “ONE Championship: A New Era,” visit the MMA Rumors section of the site.
