Aung La N Sang Eyes Showdown with Anatoly Malykhin for Title

14 March 2024

Former two-division ONE MMA World Champion Aung La N Sang is setting his sights on a monumental challenge in the world of mixed martial arts. At 38 years old, known affectionately as “The Burmese Python,” he acknowledges he's nearing the twilight of his illustrious career but remains resolute in his pursuit of the ultimate accolade: a showdown with current three-division MMA kingpin Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin.

The inspiration for this ambition came two weeks ago when Aung La N Sang witnessed Malykhin's historic achievement at ONE 166: Qatar, where the Russian powerhouse dispatched Reinier de Ridder to seize the ONE Middleweight MMA World Title, becoming the inaugural three-division MMA World Champion.

Reflecting on Malykhin's triumph, Aung La N Sang commended his performance, noting the stylistic challenges he posed for de Ridder. "Anatoly defended all the takedowns and was able to land his game plan, which is to box him up. It pretty much broke Reinier in the third round," he remarked.

Despite the respect for Malykhin's feat, Aung La N Sang believes the real test lies in the defense of his titles against a roster of formidable challengers. "Defending on all three divisions is gonna be a lot harder," he observed, acknowledging the arduous road ahead for Malykhin.

Aung La N Sang, himself a former ONE Light Heavyweight and Middleweight MMA World Champion, maintains his aspiration to reclaim championship glory, emphasizing, "That’s the only reason why I keep fighting – to be champion again."

A potential clash between Aung La N Sang and Anatoly Malykhin promises to electrify fans worldwide. With both fighters boasting impressive finishing rates, Aung La N Sang anticipates a barnburner of a contest. "If we were to fight, there’s no way that any of us would back down, and we’ll put on a great show," he declared.

Undeterred by age, Aung La N Sang's determination burns brighter than ever as he continues his quest for championship gold. "My job as a professional fighter is not done," he affirmed, signaling his unwavering commitment to the sport and his hunger for success.

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As Aung La N Sang remains steadfast in his pursuit, MMA enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the potential clash between these two titans of the sport, knowing that such a showdown would undoubtedly provide fireworks and etch another chapter in the annals of mixed martial arts history.