Myanmar: Burmese Python to make home advantage count
Myanmar Mixed Martial Arts (MMMA) champion Aung La N Sang will get another crack at the world middleweight title held by Russian Vitaly Bigdash – this time in front of his home crowd – on June 30 at the Thuwana Indoor Stadium in Yangon.
It will be the second time the two will be meeting, the first being a closely contested affair last January which Aung La N Sang lost on points.
“I had to fight on short notice and I wasn’t at my best. This time, with better preparation and full training, I promise to give a much better account of myself,” said the local fighter who has earned the sobriquet the Burmese Python.
“Competing in Yangon in front of all my fans is such an honour, and I promise to do everything within my power to bring the belt back to Myanmar. It’s going to be an epic battle of attrition, and the better man will emerge victorious on the night,” the hometown hero added.
Aung La N Sang, 32, is the MMMA middleweight champion boasting a career record of 19 wins against 10 losses. Even though he lost to Bigdash the previous time they met, this time he has home advantage and the support of his local fans.
Bigdash is however confident of defending his belt even if the fight is in his opponent’s backyard.
“Aung La N Sang is one of the toughest fighters I have ever faced, and it will be an honour to go to to his hometown and perform there. I am not worried about the hometown advantage, because a true champion can fight anywhere and under any circumstances,” said Bigdash.
“I am excited to get back inside the cage and expect nothing less than a spectacular showing in Myanmar. Although I respect Aung La N Sang and what he brings to the table, I am returning home victorious, and with my belt still over my shoulder,” added the Russian.
Bigdash made his ONE Championship debut in 2015, and became the world middleweight world champion by knocking out Igor Svirid. He is undefeated so far, having won all his nine fights.
