“I need to grapple hard and strike hard” - Aung La N Sang vows not to hold his power back against Shamil Erdogan
Former two-division MMA world champion Aung La N Sang plans to bring the intensity in his upcoming matchup at ONE 168.
On September 6, ONE Championship will return to North America for a stacked fight card featuring two world title matchups. Earlier in the night, fighters on the undercard plan to capitalize on the added attention and secure a win inside the distance, including the Burmese sporting hero.
'The Burmese Python' is scheduled for a middleweight MMA bout against Shamil Erdogan at ONE 168: Denver, which emanates live from the Ball Arena.
During a video on his YouTube channel, the 39-year-old talked about his upcoming matchup and had this to say:
"For this fight, I need to grapple hard and strike hard."
Heading into ONE 168, Aung La N Sang is riding momentum after winning three consecutive fights, all inside the distance. The former two-division MMA world champion looks to extend his streak against Shamil Erdogan, who defeated Fan Rong in his promotional debut in June 2023.
ONE 168: Denver goes down inside the Ball Arena. Tickets for the upcoming event, featuring Jonathan Haggerty vs. Superlek and Kade Ruotolo vs. Mikey Musumeci, can be found on Ticketmaster.
Watch Aung La's YouTube video below:
Will the winner between Aung La N Sang and Shamil Erdogan receive middleweight title shot?
In March, Anatoly Malykhin defeated Reinier de Ridder for a second time to claim his middleweight MMA strap. Malykhin's impressive performance at ONE 166: Qatar made him the first fighter to hold world titles in three divisions (light heavyweight and heavyweight).
Once Malykhin returns to middleweight, he will need a title challenger worthy of testing his undeniable power. It's safe to say that Aung La N Sang vs. Shamil Erdogan is the perfect number one-contender bout, as they've both taken out top contenders inside the distance.
The question is, when could 'The Burmese Python' or Erodgan receive an opportunity to face Malykhin?
'Sladkiy' is scheduled to defend his heavyweight throne against 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane on November 8 at ONE 169: Atlanta. If Malykhin emerges victorious, he could decide to fight at middleweight in early 2025.