MMA
Aung La N Sang Has Three Opponents In Mind For 2020
Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang, the reigning ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion, successfully defended both of his belts in 2019.
In March, Aung La N Sang knocked out Japanese rival Ken Hasegawa at ONE: A NEW ERA before finishing ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera just seven months later at ONE: CENTURY PART II.
Although he has accomplished a great deal in 2019, the Myanmar athlete is determined to achieve greater things this year.
“2020 is going to be the most important year for me,” he said.
“I’m still very healthy, and I have the best team. I have the best guys around me. I have to make the most of it.”
Aung La N Sang’s consistency and durability are second to none. He has been one of the most active performers in ONE Championship, clocking in over 12 bouts since his debut in 2014.
Following his successful Light Heavyweight World Title defense against Vera, “The Burmese Python” said he would defend his middleweight belt next.
And since he already defeated Hasegawa, Aung La N Sang looks to other contenders in the division.
So far, he has three ideal opponents he wishes to face in 2020.
“There is a Dutch guy who is undefeated at 11-0 [named] Reinier De Ridder. He has two fights in ONE Championship – two quick wins. That would be a good fight for me,” he said.
“Also, Vitaly Bigdash and Leandro Ataides – those would be good challenges. Those are three people that come to the top of my head. I want to fight all of them. Line them up.”
Dutch sensation De Ridder had an incredible rookie year, with a pair of highlight-reel finishes against “King Kong Warrior” Fan Rong and Gilberto “Giba” Galvao.
Ataides is a former ONE Middleweight World Title challenger who would present a fresh match-up against the Myanmar sports icon.
Since “The Burmese Python” is open to finishing his rivalry with Bigdash, a third encounter with the Russian athlete would be a chance for Aung La N Sang to complete the trilogy.
Regardless of who he faces next, he is certain the outcome will be the same.
“I predict dominance in both divisions. I’m going to dominate my middleweight division and I’m going to take out as many contenders as possible,” he said.
“I’m going to take out the contenders [to the point where other] people don’t want to become the next contenders.”
In the meantime, The Home Of Martial Arts returns to action on 10 January for ONE: A NEW TOMORROW at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Catch all the action live and for free on the ONE Super App.
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