Aung La N Sang enlists help of Burns brothers, Mickey Gall in preparation for Yushin Okami
Aung La N Sang made it clear in a recent interview that he would not be making drastic changes in his career to counter his recent run. Despite this, ‘The Burmese Python’ has been focusing slightly more on the grappling side of the sport in his recent camp as he prepares to return to the circle.
On November 19, the former two-division world champion faces a fellow Asian MMA legend in Yushin Okami, who will make his return to action for the first time since 2019.
In preparation for ONE 163, Aung La N Sang has been mixing it up with various bodies on the mat to work on his jiu-jitsu. In an interview with SCMP MMA, Aung La said:
“Great, Mickey Gall’s been helping me out a lot. We also have the Burns brothers Herbert and Gilbert. We also have my friend George Tuchel; he’s a great grappler as well. As far as grappling goes I also have Rogen Gracie, he’s the guy I’ve been working on. He’s very tall, he’s like 6’5” I’ve been working with him as well.”
He added:
“It’s gonna be good and I’m gonna attack all positions on the feet and on the ground. So it’s gonna be a fun one.”
Watch the full interview below:
‘The Burmese Python’ produced one of the greatest runs in ONE Championship history, all based on his striking and devastating power. If his grappling can become just as big of a threat, then it could see the former world champion regain his momentum.
“Find out who the best Asian middleweight is” - Aung La N Sang vows to procuce fireworks vs. Yushin Okami
ONE 163 on November 19 serves up a real treat for the fans when Asian MMA legends Aung La N Sang and Yushin Okami face each other for the first time.
Incredibly never crossing paths before, Aung La believes that the wait to see him face Okami will be worth it come fight night.
In the same interview, ‘The Burmese Python’ spoke about his own preparation and how he sees the fight going down once that cage door shuts.
“Tune in, it's going to be a fun fight for the fans. We're going to find out who the best Asian middleweight is. I've prepared really well for it.”
Whilst both men have had their legacy in Asian MMA assured by this point, a win at this stage in their careers is massively important for both. Aung La N Sang has been unable to recapture his world championship form since losing twice to Reinier de Ridder, going 1-1 since then.
Meanwhile, Yushin Okami is coming off his breakthrough win in the promotion, but has been out of competition for three years, with a record of 1-2 since joining ONE Championship.