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ONE Championship gold is still the goal for Aung La N Sang.
'The Burmese Python' has already etched his name in the history books as a former two-division ONE world champion.
On Friday, September 6, he'll take another big step toward climbing back to the top of the middleweight mountain when he meets undefeated Turkish standout Shamil Erdogan at ONE 168 in The Mile High City — Denver, Colorado.
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Since surrendering both the ONE middleweight and light heavyweight world titles in back-to-back bouts against Reinier de Ridder, Aung La N Sang has scored three straight finishes, putting away Yushin Okami, Gilberto Galvao, and Fan Rong.
If he can add another highlight-reel finish to his resume in the United States, the Burmese sporting hero may be staring down the barrel of another shot at middleweight gold.
But first, Aung La N Sang is focusing on the task at hand.
"The belt is why I still fight," he told The AllStar. "But a lot of things can happen, you know. Because of that, my eyes are only on September 6. I don’t care about anything past that or before that."
Aung La N Sang ready to hand Shamil Erdogan his first loss at ONE 168
While 'The Burmese Python' is considered to be one of the most beloved fighters in ONE Championship history, his ONE 168: Denver opponent is largely unknown.
The 9-0 Shamil Erdogan made his promotional premiere at ONE Friday Fights 22 in June 2023, earning a second-round knockout against Fan Rong.
It was a solid showing from the Turk, but one that left 'The Burmese Python' less than impressed.
But if Erdogan can snatch a big win over Aung La at one of the biggest combat sports events of 2024, he'll not only earn the respect of the former two-division world champ — he'll also set the stage for a potential shot at a ONE world title.
Who leaves the Ball Arena with their unbeaten streak intact?
Follow this link for tickets for ONE 168: Denver on September 6 at Ball Arena.
