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| James Goyder/Sherdog (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--One Championship president Victor Cui announced a late adjustment in the fight card for the Spirit of Champions event at the Mall of Asia Arena.
And the amendment came in no less than the main event.
Cui announced on Tuesday night that Filipino MMA veteran Brandon Vera will take on a different opponent for the inaugural One heavyweight title as his supposed opponent, Chi-Lewis Parry, failed to submit necessary documents to get the green light to fight.
"After multiple requests made by One officials directly to Chi Lewis Parry and his Manager over the last few weeks, Chi has failed to submit his medical results and his drug tests for the fight this Friday. Additionally, he decided not to board the plane departing from London to Manila. He will not be fighting this Friday. The next top heavyweight contender, Paul Cheng will be stepping in for the World Championship fight against Brandon Vera," Cui said on his Facebook account.
BREAKING NEWS:After multiple requests made by ONE Officials directly to Chi Lewis Parry and his Manager over the last...
Posted by Victor Cui on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Cheng, a Taiwanese fighter boasting a career 5-1 MMA record, will now have an opportunity to challenge Vera for the right to become the first champion in the heavyweight division.
Cheng, however, did not have a fight since knocking out Mahmoud Hassan at One: War of Dragons on July 11, 2014 in his hometown of Taipei.
With the replacement for Parry named, the main event of the final event of One Championship for this year will push through as planned.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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