ONE Championship has announced an explosive clash between two former MMA World Champions, as Myanmar’s Aung La N Sang squares off against Sweden’s Zebaztian Kadestam in a middleweight tilt at ONE Fight Night 36: Prajanchai vs. Di Bella II on Friday, October 3, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The high-stakes bout marks Kadestam’s debut in the middleweight division after previously capturing welterweight gold.
Aung La N Sang Seeks Redemption After Recent Setbacks
The 40-year-old legend from Myanmar enters this crucial middleweight contest looking to snap a frustrating two-bout losing skid, having fallen to the hands of Shamil Erdogan. Aung La N Sang, the former ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight MMA World Champion, has endured back-to-back defeats that have temporarily derailed his championship aspirations.
Before those setbacks, Aung La N Sang was riding a three-bout winning streak that had re-established him as a legitimate title contender. The Florida-based veteran brings 30 career victories into this bout, including an impressive 15 wins in ONE Championship with 13 finishes. His experience as a two-division champion and proven finishing ability make him a dangerous opponent for any middleweight.
Training out of Kill Cliff FC, “The Burmese Python” understands that victory over a former champion like Kadestam could instantly restore his position among the division’s elite contenders.
Kadestam Makes Middleweight Debut Against Aung La N Sang
“The Bandit” presents a formidable challenge, as he makes his highly anticipated middleweight debut. The 34-year-old Swedish striker has captured massive momentum with three consecutive victories, capped by a stunning knockout of Roberto Soldic that shocked the MMA world. While few predicted it, Kadestam has forecast it weeks ahead of their clash.
Kadestam’s striking foundation traces back to age 12 when he began training in Muay Thai, developing the technical skills that would eventually help him capture the ONE Welterweight MMA World Title. The Legacy Gym and Pancrase Gym Sweden product has showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stages throughout his championship reign.
The move to middleweight represents a significant test for Kadestam, who must adjust to facing larger opponents while maintaining the speed and precision that made him successful at welterweight. His recent knockout power suggests the transition could prove beneficial for his finishing ability.
Aung La N Sang And Kadestam Seek Statement Victory
Both fighters understand this middleweight battle will determine their future championship aspirations.
For Aung La N Sang, victory would prove he is still a threat to the divisional crown. Meanwhile, Kadestam seeks to establish himself immediately as a legitimate middleweight contender while adding another former champion to his list of victims.
ONE Fight Night 36 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, October 3. The action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.
