Image Courtesy of ONE Championship.
Myanmar’s biggest sports icon Aung La N Sang closed his storied career in spectacular fashion, defeating former ONE Welterweight MMA World Champion Zebaztian Kadestam via second-round TKO in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 36: Prajanchai vs. Di Bella II on Friday, October 3, in Bangkok, Thailand. The 40-year-old earned a $50,000 performance bonus for his dominant farewell performance while cementing his legacy as one of the most revered fighters in ONE Championship history. In recognition of his epic contribution to the sport, Aung La N Sang will be inducted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, in Tokyo, Japan.
Emotional Victory Still Processing For Aung La N Sang
Aung La N Sang expressed genuine disbelief at the magnitude of his retirement victory, acknowledging that the reality of closing his legendary career with a finish had not fully registered. The Kill Cliff FC representative’s decades of dedication culminated in one final spectacular performance.
“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,” he said.
Aung La N Sang ends his career with 31 victories with 94 percent of those wins coming via stoppage. His ability to secure a TKO victory in his final professional bout demonstrates the championship mentality that defined his legendary career as the former ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight MMA World Champion.
Hall Of Fame Honor Represents Dream Fulfilled
Aung La N Sang will become the third fighter inducted into the prestigious ONE Championship Hall of Fame, joining legendary champions Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson and Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes in this exclusive class. The Myanmar superstar expressed profound gratitude for the recognition of his contributions to the sport.
“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,” he said.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at ONE 173 on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, where Aung La N Sang will officially join the pantheon of ONE Championship’s greatest competitors.
Aung La N Sang’s Legacy Centers On Future Generations
Image Courtesy of ONE Championship.
Beyond personal accolades and championship glory, the retiring legend emphasized his desire to serve as an inspiration for both his generation and the fighters who will follow. Aung La N Sang’s focus remains on creating positive impact through his example of dedication and excellence.
“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,” he said.
The culmination of his legendary career saw Aung La N Sang become Myanmar’s first-ever MMA World Champion when he captured the middleweight title in 2017, followed by the light heavyweight championship in 2018. Now, he aims to create future World Champions.