Herbert Batista has signed with ONE Championship. The Brazilian lightweight took to Instagram to break the news:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B90MWt4FGEk/?igshid=1oz89v7zoefhy
The 29 year old has a 15-2-1 professional record and is riding a ten fight winning streak. He made his debut in 2012 but has spent his entire career competing in his native Brazil.
Batista’s record and recent form should make him an immediate title contender in the lightweight division. Christian Lee is the reigning champion and is slated to defend his title against Iuri Lapicus at ONE: ‘Infinity’ 1 in Manila on May 29th.
At present ONE Championship is pushing ahead with plans for a series of behind closed doors events in Singapore. No fights have been confirmed but the schedule is:
ONE: ‘Hope’, April 17th
ONE: ‘Strength’, April 24th
ONE: ‘Dreams’, May 1st
ONE: ‘Inspiration’, May 8th
The current regulations in Singapore require anyone travelling from mainland China (outside Hubei province), Iran, Italy, France, Germany, South Korea, Spain, Japan, UK, Switzerland, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to self quarantine for 14 days.
Some exceptions are being made for people coming from Malaysia by land but it is unclear whether this would apply to fighters. Brazil is not currently on the list but the lack of direct flights could be a complication for fighters like Batista.
While Australia and New Zealand are not on the list there are reciprocal measures in place. Any fighters from these countries would be required to self isolate for 14 days when they return from Singapore.
