Just days after a roaring event in Singapore, ONE Championship announced ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION, set for Yangon’s Thuwunna Indoor Stadium on 30 June in Myanmar.
The main event will see an epic rematch between ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash (9-0) and Myanmar’ “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang (19-10, 1 NC).
Bigdash and Aung La N Sang first met in early January at ONE: QUEST FOR POWER in Jakarta, when Aung La N Sang stepped in for an injured Marcin Prachnio on short notice.
Bigdash ended up winning a clear unanimous decision, although Aung La N Sang put up a valiant effort. It was the first time the Russian had been the distance, having stopped his opponent in all of his previous fights.
“The first bout was an absolute showcase of incredible skill and unwavering determination, and the rematch promises nothing short of another classic,” said Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship.
Accepting the first fight on less than two weeks’ notice, Aung La N Sang fell short in his first shot at the ONE Middleweight World Championship. Now with a full training camp, Aung La N Sang is expected to be at a hundred per cent going into the biggest fight of his career.
“The last fight I took on short notice, and I wasn’t at my best. This time, with better preparation and a full training camp, I vow to give a much better account of myself,” said Aung La N Sang.
“Fighting in Yangon in front of all my fans is such an honor, and I promise to do everything within my power to bring the belt back to Myanmar! It’s going to be an epic battle of attrition, and the better man will emerge victorious on fight night.”
Before his loss to Bigdash in January, Aung La N Sang was on an absolute tear through ONE Championship’s stacked middleweight division, winning four in a row since joining the promotion in 2014. Today, Aung La N Sang enjoys a superstar following back home in Yangon, where he is treated as a national hero.
Heading into hostile territory, ONE Middleweight World Champion Bigdash remains confident and unfazed by the task at hand.
“Aung La N Sang is one of the toughest fighters I have ever faced, and it will be an honor to come into his hometown to perform,” said Bigdash. “I am not worried about the hometown advantage, because a true champion can fight anywhere and under any circumstance.
“I am excited to get back inside the cage, and expect nothing less than a spectacular showing in Myanmar. Although I respect Aung La N Sang and what he brings to the table, I am returning home victorious, and with my belt still over my shoulder.”
Additional bouts for ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION will be announced at a later date.
