Although ONE 168: Denver is still more than a month away, trash talk between the fighters has already started. Former two-division ONE MMA World Champion Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang, who is set to return on September 6th at Ball Arena in Denver, is joining the pre-fight banter. Aung La is set to figure in ONE Championship’s second return to the US, where he’ll face Turkish wrestler Shamil Erdogan in a middleweight MMA fight.

In a recent interview with The All-Star, “The Burmese Python” acknowledged Shamil Erdogan’s wrestling skills but also issued a warning. He revealed his true intention, stating, “He’s a very tough opponent. He’s a very high-level wrestling guy, a great mixed martial artist. I am ready, man. I am just excited to put my hands on him.”

Aung La is right to be wary of his opponent. Since his MMA debut, Turkish phenom Shamil Erdogan has maintained an undefeated record of 9-0, including his latest win over Fan Rong at ONE Friday Fights 22. However, Aung La himself is a decorated former champion. Despite losing both of his titles, “The Burmese Python’ bounced back well and is currently on a three-fight winning streak, which includes his most recent victory in America against Fan Rong.

After Fan Rong was defeated by Aung La N Sang in May 2023, Shamil Erdogan knocked him out a month later in his debut fight. In a recent interview, ‘The Burmese Python” questioned the legitimacy of Erdogan’s win over Fan Rong.

Aung La doubts Shamil Erdogan’s debut win

After defeating three opponents in a row, Aung La ‘The Burmese Python’ N Sang sets his sights on extending his winning streak to four against Shamil Erdogan at ONE 168: Denver. Ahead of his upcoming bout Aung La, questioned Erdogan’s win over Fan Rong in an interview with The Allstar.

He also commented on Fan Rong’s capability, suggesting he might have been mentally and physically exhausted due to facing Aung La himself just six weeks prior. “He fought Fan Rong six weeks after I fought him,” Aung La added. “I guarantee you, if you fight me, it’s not the same as when he fought a broken Fan Rong.”

What are your thoughts on the upcoming middleweight MMA fight between Aung La N Sang and Shamil Erdogan? Can ‘The Burmese Python” maintain his winning streak? Share your thoughts in the comments below.