Myanmar’s biggest sports icon and former two-division ONE World Champion Aung La N Sang will close the book on his legendary career when he faces former ONE Welterweight MMA World Champion Zebaztian Kadestam in a middleweight clash at ONE Fight Night 36 on Friday, October 3. The 40-year-old Myanmar native, who currently resides in Florida, USA, will step into the ring one final time at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium as one of ONE Championship’s most impactful and legendary superstars.
Family Priorities Drive Aung La N Sang’s Retirement Decision
Training out of Kill Cliff FC, Aung La N Sang has decided to prioritize his role as a father and mentor to the next generation of fighters. The former champion, who made his professional debut in 2005, believes the time has come to focus on his children and coaching responsibilities.
“My kids are getting older, and I gotta put time into my kids and the next generation. I’ve been coaching a lot too, so I’m gonna do the right thing,” Aung La N Sang explained his decision to retire from active competition.
The veteran fighter’s 15 victories in ONE include 13 finishes, establishing him as one of the promotion’s most dominant champions during his prime years. His impressive 30 career wins span nearly two decades of professional competition.
Aung La N Sang’s Historic Career Defined Myanmar MMA Legacy
Aung La N Sang’s impact on Myanmar sports cannot be overstated, as he became the country’s first-ever MMA World Champion when he defeated Vitaly Bigdash for the ONE Middleweight MMA World Title in 2017.
The following year, he added the ONE Light Heavyweight MMA World Title by knocking out Alexandre Machado to claim vacant gold.
These historic achievements established “The Burmese Python” as a trailblazer for Southeast Asian mixed martial arts and inspired countless fighters from his homeland to pursue professional careers in the sport.
Aung La N Sang’s Last Stand Goes Down At Iconic Venue
ONE Fight Night 36 will mark the first, and final time, Aung La N Sang will compete at Lumpinee Stadium. The legendary venue holds special significance for the retiring champion, who expressed genuine excitement about concluding his career in one of combat sports’ most prestigious locations. Lumpinee Stadium represents the pinnacle of striking arts competition in Thailand.
“I’m very excited. I wanted this, and I imagined this. I dreamed this, and it’s happening, so it’s going to mean the world to me to put on a great show in Lumpinee [Stadium],” Aung La N Sang revealed his emotional connection to the venue.
The retirement bout against the 34-year-old Swedish striker presents a compelling stylistic matchup. Kadestam has a Muay Thai background, so both men are expected to stand and bang. But also, with Myanmar being so close to the arena, many of Aung La N Sang’s countrymen are expected to be there.
Aung La N Sang’s Python MMA Gym Represents Next Chapter
Beyond retirement, Aung La N Sang has revealed plans to open Python MMA, a training facility focused on developing young talent. The Florida-based gym reflects his commitment to nurturing the next generation of fighters while staying connected to the sport that defined his career.
“It’s gonna be an MMA gym. It’s gonna be something that I’m passionate about, and it’s gonna be focused toward the next generation. You know, the kids. I’m already training my son and my nephew, and their friends, and they’re doing really good,” the former champion shared his vision for the future.
This transition from competitor to mentor ensures Aung La N Sang’s influence on combat sports will continue long after his final fight.
