'Burmese Python' MMA fighter triumphs in homecoming bout

Aung La N Sang triumphed over Egypt's Mohamed Ali with a chokehold in the headline bout of a ONE Championship tournament in Yangon that lasted just one round.

"This is Myanmar's victory, not mine," Aung La N Sang told a jubilant crowd following the match held just up the road from where he lived as a teenager.

"I'll be back stronger," said the 30-year-old, who was born in Myanmar but moved to the United States when he was 18.

Fighting in front of the bombastic home crowd, Aung La N Sang initially appeared to falter as Ali drove through a series of forceful blows.

But the "Burmese Python", as local fans have come to know him, took the upper hand after Ali pitched forward with a punch.

Aung La N Sang locked him into a powerful chokehold, forcing Ali to tap out at 2.38 minutes.

The fight was broadcast across Asia, where the sport commands an avid fanbase.

Aung La N Sang has a keen following among boxing fans in Myanmar who have battled lacklustre Internet speeds to follow his progress online and laud his visit on social media.

"We are very proud tonight. Our fighter will be the best in the world. He is really amazing," said Thet Aung, a local fan who said he was still learning about mixed martial arts.

Most Myanmar fighting enthusiasts follow the bone-crunching local fighting style lethwei, that local pugilists say is the toughest member of Southeast Asia's kickboxing family -- even more brutal than Thailand's better known Muay Thai.

On an earlier visit to Myanmar in January Aung La N Sang said he wanted to help Myanmar lethwei fighters diversify their techniques in order to compete internationally in mixed martial arts.

He was born in Myanmar's northern state of Kachin -- a war-torn area bordering China -- when the country was still under junta rule.

After studying agriculture in the US state of Indiana he abandoned plans to return to his homeland after discovering a love for jiu jitsu, staying on to train in mixed martial arts in America, where he now runs a gym.

Earlier he told AFP that returning to fight in Myanmar was "pretty awesome".

"I had the best reception from the people here," he said.

The 6'1" middleweight fighter now has 17 wins and 9 losses under his belt.

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Middleweight bout: Aung La N Sang defeats Mohamed Ali by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 2:38 minutes of round 1

Flyweight bout: Adriano Moraes defeats Eugene Toquero by Submission (D’Arce Choke) at 4:53 minutes of round 1

Bantamweight bout: Tha Pyay Nyo defeats Kyal Sin Phyo by TKO (Strikes) at 1:36 minutes of round 3

Catchweight bout (73kg): Christian Lee defeats Anthony Engelen by TKO (Strikes) at 4:14 minutes of round 1

Lightweight bout: Kyal Linn Aung defeats Thway Thit Aung by Unanimous Decision

Strawweight bout: Alex Silva defeats Robin Catalan by Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) at 4:32 minutes of round 1

Featherweight bout: Phoe Thaw defeats Saw L Lay by TKO (Strikes) at 2:27 minutes of round 1

Featherweight bout: Edward Kelly defeats Jordan Lucas by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:47 minutes of round 1

Bantamweight bout: Thar A Thal Ta Pwint defeats Kyaw Kyar by TKO (Strikes) at 2:58 minutes of round 1