The familiar walk to the ONE Championship ring felt different this time, and former ONE Light Heavyweight and Middleweight MMA World Champion Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang knew it in his bones.
Twenty-one years of sacrifice, struggle, and triumph compressed into those final steps for his retirement fight against ex-ONE Welterweight MMA World Champion Zebaztian “The Bandit” Kadestam at ONE Fight Night 36: Prajanchai vs. Di Bella II on Prime Video on Friday, October 3.
The roar of the raucous crowd in Bangkok, Thailand washed over the Myanmar sports hero as he carried his national flag and a lifetime of dreams on his shoulders for his final dance in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
What followed was a masterclass befitting his legendary status. The 40-year-old marched forward behind his signature pressure with a flurry of punches, knees, and a barrage of right hands to score the 31st victory of his career via TKO at 2:20 of the second stanza.
Reflecting on the moment, the former two-division king shared:
“It felt good. I don’t know—it hasn’t soaked in yet, you know? It hasn’t soaked in, but I’m sure it’s going to be one for the ages. I’m just very appreciative that it all went well, and all the preparation and hard work came to this.”
But despite one last incredible performance, which earned him a US$50,000 bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, the MMA veteran couldn’t simply go without giving credit to his fallen opponent.
Kadestam stood not just as another opponent but as a brother in arms, after all. Over the years, Aung La N Sang and “The Bandit” have formed a close friendship outside the Circle, but inside it, the Myanmar warrior knew he was up against a legitimate threat.
The Kill Cliff FC representative said:
“He hits so hard. I felt his punches, and now I know why he knocks people out cold. I’ve been a fan of his and a friend of his—it was kind of hard.
“But as a mixed martial artist, as fighters, that’s what we do. For my last dance, who better way to do it against than somebody I looked up to and somebody I really like as a fighter.”
Looking back fondly at two decades of an illustrious fighting career, Aung La N Sang has come a long way since his journey began in 2005. For the 40-year-old veteran, his love for competition always transcended every achievement, no matter how grand.
“The Burmese Python” has seen it all. He’s been through the darkest valleys, powering himself through trials, personal turmoil, bitter defeat, to reach unprecedented heights as Myanmar’s first-ever MMA World Champion. Where others might have surrendered, Aung La N Sang pushed on.
“The Burmese Python” explained:
“My love for this sport. My love for becoming a better version of myself, and my faith in God.”
Hall Of Fame Induction And Message For The Next Generation
While ONE Fight Night 36 marked the last time Aung La N Sang will ever don the four-ounce gloves, it won’t be the last time he walks to the Circle.
Following his explosive victory over Zebaztian Kadestam and a 29th career finish, it was confirmed that “The Burmese Python” will be inducted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame at the star-studded ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri card on Sunday, November 16, in Tokyo, Japan.
For an athlete who has given everything to the sport, this recognition validates an entire life spent building Myanmar’s martial arts legacy:
“It’s very cool. You work so hard for this, decades of hard work, and then it comes to this moment where you’re honored by the promotion and by the people. It’s a dream come true. I am very grateful and very thankful for this.”
Beyond personal accolades, Aung La N Sang’s time as Myanmar’s greatest sports superstar carries profound significance.
His historic achievements opened doors for countless young fighters from his country who now see professional martial arts as a viable career path.
When asked what his trailblazing legacy means to him, the former double champ’s focus immediately shifted to the future, with a parting message that encapsulates the mindset that carried him through 21 years of professional competition:
“More than anything, I hope to inspire the next generation. I hope to inspire my generation to do what is right and to really work towards a brighter future.
“Give it your 100 percent. Live it and do it for the love of it—not for the love of money, fame, or anything else. Do it because you love the art, and you’ll do just fine. Persevere and keep going.”