‘I’m A Big Fan Of Him’ – Zebaztian Kadestam Honored To Face Aung La N Sang In Myanmar Icon’s Last Fight At ONE Fight Night 36

Former ONE Welterweight MMA World Champion Zebaztian “The Bandit” Kadestam is back and he’s ready to resume his remarkable run in ONE Championship.

The Swedish veteran will make his middleweight debut against former ONE Light Heavyweight and Middleweight MMA World Champion Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang at ONE Fight Night 36: Prajanchai vs. Di Bella II on Prime Video, which goes down live in U.S. primetime on Friday, October 3, from Bangkok, Thailand.

For the hard-hitting Kadestam, the chance to don the iconic four-ounce gloves again brings immense excitement. He returns to action looking to extend his current winning streak to four, and his preparation so far has been flawless.

“The Bandit” maintains he is in optimal health, and that the significance of facing a living MMA legend in his final professional bout has added extra motivation for him to deliver a career-defining performance.

The 34-year old shared:

“For this fight, everything has been going to plan. Weight, training, eating, and mental. I would say my condition is almost complete. I cannot wait, and I’m honored to be part of this important fight that will be Aung La N Sang’s retirement fight.”

Being “The Burmese Python’s” final dance partner represents a unique opportunity to share the ring with one of MMA’s most accomplished competitors. Kadestam is honored to help provide a fitting send-off for not just any opponent, but for someone he considers a friend.

Kadestam and Aung La N Sang have been friends since the time they reigned as ONE World Champions. Over the years, they have developed a mutual respect and friendship that transcends the four corners of the ring.

That being said, the Legacy Gym and Allstars Training Center affiliate understands that when the opening bell sounds, personal relationships must take a backseat to professional obligations. 

He continued:

“We have been friends for quite a while now. But I’m a big fan of him, too. I think he’s a great fighter, and he’s done it all. Whether he is my opponent or not, respect goes beyond the stage. His achievements are up there, and that’s why I’m excited for this fight against him.”

“And I’m sure he is happy to be facing someone like me. Two good fighters, two friends, one winner. Especially with us being friends, I’m sure the fans are gonna enjoy this one.”

Though Kadestam holds the utmost respect for the Kill Cliff FC representative, the Swedish bulldozer is determined to mark his return to the world’s largest martial arts organization with authority. He’s out to spoil what many expect to be a celebratory farewell for the Myanmar legend at ONE Fight Night 36.

“The Bandit” has stopped all of his opponents under the ONE banner, which serves as proof of his sublime finishing ability on the global stage. This move up to middleweight should enhance his already formidable striking power.

While the respect between competitors will certainly be a major theme heading into this matchup, the former welterweight king says he will not let that interfere with how he plans to send Aung La N Sang off into retirement:

“I’m gonna be sticking to [my knockout power] in this fight against Aung La. It should be better. I’ve been waiting to be back in action, so I’m ready to show my strengthened striking in this fight.

“Of course, I’m always aiming for that knockout, but we will see what happens. But the goal is the knockout.”

Kadestam Won’t Underestimate Aung La N Sang

While Zebaztian Kadestam is confident in his ability to deliver another highlight-reel finish, the former ONE Welterweight MMA World Champion harbors no illusions about the tremendous challenge that awaits him against Aung La N Sang.

The Swedish slugger fully expects the Myanmar legend to do everything in his power to write a storybook ending to his iconic career.

Kadestam noted:

“I’m sure he’s coming in well prepared, in excellent condition, and I know he doesn’t want to lose his last fight, so I’m prepared. He’s not some new guy getting used to the fight scene. Again, he has experience, so I think he’d be dangerous.”

Above all, he knows “The Burmese Python” – a man with 15 knockout victories on his resume – packs significant knockout power in his fists. That makes this showdown likely to wind up being an explosive encounter from round one.

Given that every exchange will carry the potential for the fight’s abrupt end, the margin for error is razor-thin. The Legacy Gym and Allstars Training Center fighter expects an all-out war at ONE Fight Night 36 on Friday, October 3:

“He’s got good hands, a lot of knockout power for sure. But, I believe I do, too. When two knockout artists face one another, it means it will be a great fight. I’m sure of it. It’s gonna be a great and explosive fight. Let’s put on a show for the fans.”