Former two-division ONE World Champion Aung La N Sang will conclude his professional mixed martial arts career against Zebaztian Kadestam in a middleweight bout at ONE Fight Night 36 on Friday, October 3, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 40-year-old Myanmar fighter has decided to retire following a 20-year professional career that saw him become his country's first world champion in any sport. Aung La N Sang held both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles in ONE Championship during his historic run.
The decision to retire stems from his desire to focus on family and developing the next generation of fighters. As a father of four, Aung La N Sang wants to invest more time in his children while expanding his coaching responsibilities.
"My kids are getting older, and I gotta put time into my kids and the next generation. I've been coaching a lot too, so I'm gonna do the right thing," Aung La N Sang said.
The Myanmar legend acknowledges that Father Time has played a role in his decision. While still in good health, Aung La N Sang recognizes the physical toll of mixed martial arts and wants to preserve his long-term well-being.
"There's only so many significant shots to the head you can take. In the fight, I don't give a crap, you know? But the time is coming, and the time is near, and it's okay," Aung La N Sang said. "Father Time is undefeated, and it's okay. I have so much passion in MMA that there are other things I can do. And I can really invest my time and grow the next generation."
The matchup with former welterweight champion Kadestam represents an ideal conclusion to his storied career. Fighting near his native Myanmar allows many of his countrymen to attend his final performance.
"I'm very excited. I wanted this, and I imagined this. I dreamed this, and it's happening, so it's going to mean the world to me to put on a great show in Lumpinee [Stadium]," Aung La N Sang said.
Following his retirement, Aung La N Sang will open Python MMA, his own gym in Lake Worth, Florida, focused on developing young fighters and amateur competitors.
"I feel blessed. There's such a big future ahead of me, you know? I'm not sad. I'm very grateful for the memories and the experience," Aung La N Sang said.
