Aung La N Sang Relaxes By Throwing Axes
Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang is preparing to defend his ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship against Vitaly Bigdash at “ONE on TNT IV“ on 28 April.
But before the trilogy fight comes to United States prime-time television, he’s finding some time to compete in another sport.
Axe throwing has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and the Sanford MMA crew is using it to build camaraderie and take the edge off after training.
For his part, Aung La N Sang’s interest was piqued after an invite to test his skills at a teammate’s house.
“He lives about five miles from me. He has a big, big yard,” the Myanmar mixed martial arts icon says. “So one day, we just went over and threw some axes.”
As a World Champion athlete, Aung La N Sang trains for several hours in the gym each day with his tireless work ethic. But even a global superstar needs to break up the day-to-day grind with something new.
“It’s just something fun to do besides training because that’s all we do – train, eat, sleep, repeat,” he explains. “It’s kind of cool to be able to throw a weapon in the air and land it [on a target].”
Although the Myanmar-born star has been throwing axes purely as a recreational activity, there are some ways it benefits him in mixed martial arts.
“Having good aim. Hitting the target. Hitting a mark,” Aung La N Sang says.
“By hitting the target, you hit it with your weapon. When you hit something, don’t hit with your forearms. Hit it with your elbows.”
Tensions will certainly be high when the ONE Light Heavyweight World Champion defends his gold against Bigdash in their long-awaited trilogy fight on TNT next month.
But what would happen if he extends a friendly challenge to toss some steel?
“I don’t know how good Vitaly is,” Aung La N Sang adds. “But I’m assuming he hasn’t had much practice, so I should win that.”
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