I want to reach my goals: meet ‘The Burmese Python’ hoping to become his country’s first MMA champion

Aung La Nsang knows that the fight game doesn’t often offer up second chances.

The 32-year-old said a fight-mad nation of 54 million people would expect nothing less than that, and those millions would like nothing more than to see their first-ever world MMA champion crowned.

“I am happy that people are giving me attention,” said Nsang. “It’s weird, the amount I get here, but I am happy. It gives the young fighters here in Myanmar something to look to. I’m the first, the pioneer, and I want to make sure I reach my goals – and to give my country a world champion.”

Nsang is a phenomenon in Myanmar, thanks to his rise as the country’s most successful MMA fighter. That reputation was strengthened when he answered a late call-up to face the unbeaten Bigdash in Jakarta back in January.

On just two week’s prep work, Nsang was able to push the Russian 32-year-old all the way before losing on points. It was the first time a Bigdash (9-0) bout had lasted the distance and Nsang (19-10, one no contest) weathered some withering attacks – and a brutal left foot to the head in the third that threatened to bring matters to an early end.