Aung La N Sang Eyeing Winner Of ONE 159 Main Event, wants to be back in the mix

Aung La N Sang has faced some of the most challenging fighters in the ONE middleweight and light heavyweight divisions with an abundance of success for the most part. 

While his most recent string of losses may have set him back, the former double ONE World Champion is certain that a couple of wins will throw his name back right back into the conversation. 

Before that can happen, though, two of Aung La N Sang’s former foes will battle for the middleweight crown in the main event of ONE 159: De Ridder vs. Bigdash on 22 July at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.  

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Two-division ONE World Champion Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder will put his middleweight strap on the line against Vitaly Bigdash, who will try to hand the Dutchman his first loss inside the ONE Circle.  

“The Burmese Python” is well-aware of what both athletes bring to the table, and he is eager to see how the fight plays out. 

“It’s going to be a good fight. They’re both very good competitors, so I’m excited for it, and I’m very familiar with both of them. It’s going to be a good one. It’s an exciting matchup for me, and I’m really looking forward to who’s going to win that one,” he said. 

De Ridder snatched both ONE World Titles from Aung La N Sang in back-to-back battles, while Russian star Bigdash etched out a decision win over the Myanmarese sports legend this past February to take their heated rivalry to 2-1.  

His losses against the two middleweight stars represent Aung La N Sang’s only defeats on the global stage. The 37-year-old star has an impressive record of 12-4 in ONE and has taken down both Brandon Vera and Leandro Ataides during his tenure. 

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Aung La N Sang is ready for his next World Title run, and he sees both of the ONE 159 headliners as potential opponents for him to face. The Myanmar star also knows his next few fights are essential to his push toward the top. 

“To me, they could both potentially be my opponent again. So, with all due respect to them, I don’t intend to be their best friend anytime soon. Maybe down the line, if I get to know them more, maybe. But right now, we’re cordial, we’re respectful, and they’re both great athletes,” Aung La N Sang said. 

“I feel like if I finish the next few middleweights that I fight, I’ll be back in the mix.” 

Download the ONE Super App to catch all the action at ONE 159: De Ridder vs. Bigdash on Friday, 22 July, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.