ONE Championship will return to Yangon, Myanmar on June 30, 2017 for another blockbuster evening of world-class, authentic martial arts action. The Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon is set to play host to “ONE: Light of a Nation” featuring ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash of of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, who will defend his title against “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang of Myanmar in the main event.

Chatri Sityodtong is the chairman and chief executive officer of ONE Championship. The mixed martial arts promotion is based in Singapore.

“The first bout was an absolute showcase of incredible skill and unwavering determination and the rematch promises nothing short of another classic,” Sityodtong said. “Yangon’s favorite son, Aung La N Sang, will get another crack at the ONE Middleweight World Championship held by Vitaly Bigdash. This time, it will be on his home turf. Fans will not want to miss all the action that goes down at ‘ONE: Light of a Nation’ this June.”

Vitaly Bigdash

Bigdash has proven to be one of the most talented martial artists in the world. Making his ONE Championship debut in 2015, he captured the middleweight title with a resounding technical knockout victory over Igor Svirid in one of the most action-packed contests in ONE Championship history.

In Bigdash’s last bout, he successfully defended his world title for the first time against Aung, winning by unanimous decision. With an unblemished professional record of nine wins and no losses, the Russian MMA fighter is set to return to the ONE Championship cage in a rematch against the Burmese MMA star.

“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,” Bigdash said. “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.”

Aung La N Sang

Aung is one of the world’s most renowned athletes from Myanmar. His constricting style has earned him the moniker of The Burmese Python.

Born in Myitkyina in the mountainous Kachin State in Myanmar, Aung belongs to an ethnic minority known as the Kachin. In his most recent outing, he battled valiantly against Bigdash and lost via decision to the reigning ONE Middleweight World Champion.

This time, Aung believes he can produce a different result with better preparation in a highly-anticipated rematch against Bigdash. The Burmese MMA fighter said, “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,” Aung continued. “Competing 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 the night.”