Martin Nguyen: 'Aung La N Sang will TKO Brandon Vera'

MARTIN “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen is certain his teammate Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang will defend his ONE Light Heavyweight World Title at ONE: CENTURY PART II on Sunday, 13 October.

The Myanmar icon – also the ONE Middleweight World Champion – protects his gold against the Philippines’ Brandon “The Truth” Vera in the main event at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.

Nguyen, who has been training with Aung La N Sang for almost a year now at Hardknocks 365 in America, revealed that he sees a new drive in the 34-year-old.

“He’s not just looking at this fight as a defense of his belt against the next contender,” the Australian athlete explained.

“His hunger and determination to win is clear. He’s a veteran in the game who is on a tear. He hits like bricks!”

Their friendship dates back to January 2017. On that night, the Myanmar martial artist suffered a defeat to Vitaly Bigdash in the main event of ONE: QUEST FOR POWER in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Meanwhile, "The Situ-Asian" - who competed in the co-main event - put out a typical performance to win via knockout in round one.

They became fast friends since their first encounter, and they have spent time together with their families and leaned on each other for advice.

“Aung comes forward like a train,” Nguyen said.

“I’ve held pads for the guy, and to be behind those punches and kicks, my shoulder almost got ripped out of its socket.”

Although both men are well-rounded martial artists, the most dangerous aspect of their arsenal comes from their fists.

"The Burmese Python" owns 11 knockouts from 25 matches, and according to Nguyen, number twelve will arrive at the biggest martial arts event next week.

“I think Aung La will hurt Vera and win by TKO. I think more with punches,” he added.

“Aung La and Vera kick very hard, but it’s very hard to throw punches and kicks moving backward. I know Brandon Vera’s more of a backward fighter than a forward fighter.”

“Hats off to Vera, he’s a veteran of the game, and I’m very good friends with him, but I’m just judging it style versus style.”

The Home Of Martial Arts will break new ground as it brings multiple World Title bouts, a trio of World Grand Prix Championship Finals, and several World Champion versus World Champion matches to the famous Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan on 13 October.