The bout card for ONE Fight Night 10 is outstanding, but a middleweight matchup is flying under the radar. Former two-division World Champion Aung La N Sang and Fan Rong will finally step into the Circle against one another on Friday, May 5, at the 1stBank Center. It is another important matchup on ONE Championship‘s U.S. debut event.
Middleweights Collide at ONE Fight Night 10
After his last victory inside the Circle against Gilberto Gilvao, Aung La N Sang piqued the interest of onlookers. In his post-match interview, he stated he wanted to be the gatekeeper of the division. However, the Myanmar icon does not view that as a bad thing.
“I want to keep the gate before I storm back into my castle. I want to beat everybody. I want to beat everybody, and I want to get my title back. Being a gatekeeper, people think you’re washed up. People think you should hang it up. I want to show that it’s not,” said Aung La N Sang.
The match against Fan has fallen apart multiple times. Finally getting the match back on track has “The Burmese Python” excited. Although he is happy to compete against the Chinese athlete, Aung La N Sang’s motivations are steadfast in wanting to compete to the best of his ability.
“I just take it as it is. I mean, I don’t need extra motivation. I have motivation in me already. There’s a reason why I fight. And it’s bigger than Fan Rong. It’s bigger than me. I don’t need extra motivation. I’m just going to go out there. Sometimes, the outcomes are not good. But it is what it is. For me, it doesn’t matter. Fan Rong, we’re scheduled again. I am motivated to put on a good show against him. It’s nothing personal, for sure,” said the former two-division king.
If there is anything Aung La N Sang is excited about, it is the travel. For the first time in nearly a decade, he will compete in the United States. There will be no lengthy travel, and he will get a chance to compete in front of friends and family.
“It’s going to be kind of cool. It’s going to be very exciting. No 20-plus hour flights. Which I don’t mind now. I’m kind of used to it now. I just see it as a day for myself. To relax, read a book, watch movies. Eat some snacks on the airplane. For me, it ain’t too bad anymore. But yeah, it’s going to be cool to fight in front of my family, in front of some of the US fans. I’m excited to put on a great show. It’s going to be exciting,” said “The Burmese Python.”
As the Kill Cliff FC athlete prepares, he has been looking at Fan’s recent matches inside the Circle. Aung La N Sang has been impressed with what he sees, specifically the Chinese star’s well-rounded abilities. For the 37-year-old, it means another chance to bolster his status as one of the division’s best.
“It puts me right at the front door. It puts me right in that title shot. I mean, that’s the obvious thing. Because I lost my belt, I defended it, I believe, three or four times, four times, which is the most that any middleweight champion has done,” said Aung La N Sang.
How does “The Burmese Python” expect to get the job done? By knockout, of course. The Myanmar legend plans to keep his streak going and add to his already impressive highlight reel.
“I’m going to do a hook kick and a jumping kick to the body. Finish him with a Superman-flying knee. Just kidding. I’m looking to knock him out. I’m looking to break him,” said Aung La N Sang.
ONE Fight Night 10 airs live from the 1stBank Center on Friday, May 5. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
