“It’s gonna take a year” - Aung La N Sang believes he can still win the world title

Aung La N Sang’s legacy inside the circle is already assured. ‘The Burmese Python’ is a former two-division world champion, holding both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles between 2017 and 2021. His dominant run included six straight stoppages after winning middleweight gold, establishing his place among the legends in ONE Championship.

However, since losing both of his world championships to Reinier de Ridder, Aung La has struggled to recapture his world title-reigning form, going 1-1 since his last fight with the Dutchman.

Despite his slight dip in form, ‘The Burmese Python’ remains confident that he can claim back what was once his. In an interview with The MMA Superfan, he commented on his aspirations to become a world champion once again:

“It’s gonna take a year I think, I have a feeling that it’s gonna take a year. I had that run in me and I know it’s gonna happen.”

Watch the full interview below:

Aung La N Sang makes his return to the circle on November 18, when he faces fellow Asian MMA legend Yushin Okami. At ONE 163, Aung La will look to add a name like Okami to his resume but, most importantly, get himself back in the win column so he can build momentum.

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“I’m trying to be the best version of myself” - Aung La N Sang on dealing with pressure

Aung La N Sang has a wealth of experience in his career, which he draws from when facing pressure. At ONE 163, ‘The Burmese Python’ returns in a fight that is a must-win for the former world champion.

The Burmese martial arts icon is preparing to make his comeback in a thrilling middleweight matchup with MMA pioneer ‘Thunder’ Yushin Okami in a fight they believe will determine who is indeed Asia’s No.1 middleweight.

Whilst the fight is a treat for fans with two Asian MMA legends going head-to-head, Aung La needs to show the improvements he has been working on in the gym.

The former two-division world champion may have his back against the wall going into this fight. Noting this, Tom Taylor of SCMP MMA asked Aung La N Sang how he deals with the pressure of putting on a high-level performance in a recent interview.

The 37-year-old Aung La responded:

“The training is what gives me that. My training and the work that I put in, is what makes the pressure not so much of a pressure. If I can honestly look at myself and tell myself that I did everything I'm supposed to, then there's no pressure.”

He also added:

“What more can you do in life than the best that you can get? Besides that, I don't really have pressure, I don't really care. I don't really, there's no pressure in my mind. I'm just trying to be the best version of myself.”

Watch the full interview below: