Aung La N Sang will be inducted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, joining Demetrious Johnson and Bibiano Fernandes as the third fighter to receive the honor.
The 40-year-old Myanmar icon retired at ONE Fight Night 36 in October after stopping Zebaztian Kadestam in the second round, concluding a remarkable 11-year tenure with the promotion. His legacy includes becoming Myanmar's first world champion in any sport, capturing titles in two weight classes, and compiling 15 victories that rank third in ONE Championship history behind Christian Lee and Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Aung La N Sang made history at ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION in June 2017 when he submitted Vitaly Bigdash to capture the ONE Middleweight MMA World Championship. The victory at Thuwunna Indoor Stadium represented more than a personal achievement, establishing him as Myanmar's first world champion and inspiring a generation of athletes throughout the country.
He elevated his status the following year at ONE: QUEST FOR GOLD in Yangon by defeating Alexandre Machado to claim the ONE Light Heavyweight MMA World Title, joining the elite group of two-division champions. The accomplishment demonstrated his ability to compete successfully across weight classes while further cementing his place as Myanmar's most celebrated athlete.
His impact extended beyond competition when Myanmar erected a bronze statue in his honor in his hometown of Myitkyina in 2018. The monument depicts him in fighting stance and stands as recognition of his role in representing national pride and inspiring others through his journey from small-town athlete to six-time world champion.
Aung La N Sang's finishing ability defined his career, as he posted an 87 percent finishing rate across his ONE Championship tenure. His final 11 victories all came by stoppage, including nine knockouts that showcased his evolution from grappling specialist to knockout artist. The transformation demonstrated his adaptability and commitment to entertaining fans while maintaining effectiveness.
His defining performance came against Ken Hasegawa at ONE: SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR in 2018, when both fighters engaged in an exhausting battle that ended with Aung La N Sang securing a fifth-round TKO. The contest was ranked first in ONE's "100 Greatest Fights" list published in 2018 and remains a benchmark for championship-level competition within the promotion.
