FILIPINO-New Zealander Mark Abelardo will be one of the first fighters to return to action during the pademic, seeing action in One: No Surrender on July 31 in Bangkok.
The 28-year-old fighter based in Auckland squares off with Brazil's Fabriģcio Andrade in a 67kg catchweight bout in the undercards.
"The entire world is reeling right now, and if by stepping into the ring and showcasing my skills can help inspire people to soldier on, I’m glad to do it," said Abelardo, who fights out of Team Quest Thailand.
"I’m thankful we can get back to competing again. This is what I live for, and I have so much I want to do in this sport. The next step starts in Bangkok."
Abelardo sports a 19-7 record and is raring to get back to the winning column after losing via unanimous decision to Troy Worthen last February at One: King of the Jungle in Singapore.
Andrade is making his debut in the Asian mixed martial arts promotion and has won his last two fights for a 2-2 win-loss record.
The bout will be an appetizer for the Singapore-based MMA outfit's return to action with a six-match card.
This, however, will remain in a closed-door and audience-free setting as the promotion holds its first event since February before the global COVID-19 pandemic put everything to a stop.
Reigning One flyweight Muay Thai champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon will defend his title against former flyweight kickboxing champion Petchdam Petchyindee Academy in an all-Thai main event.
Also serving as the co-main event will be the duel between titleholder Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy and Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex for the One Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship.
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