Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang came good on his promise for a quicker finish in his rematch with Ken Hasegawa, as he put on a phenomenal display to defend his ONE Middleweight World Title.

The Myanmar hero knocked out his Japanese adversary in the second round to cap a dominant performance at ONE: A NEW ERA in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday, 31 March.

“The Burmese Python” came out of his corner inside the Ryogoku Kokugikan looking to set up his powerful right kicks, and probed with his jab before drilling his strikes into Hasegawa’s body and head.

In contrast, the Yokohama native seemed more tentative, which allowed Aung La N Sang to press forward.

The Hard Knocks 365 representative followed his foe around the cage as he attempted to cut him off and land punishing blows from his right side. When Hasegawa went on the front foot, he walked into Aung La N Sang’s power hand and quickly retreated.

The Japanese hero appeared to be gaining confidence at the end of the opening stanza and started round two with a swift takedown attempt. However, Aung La N Sang’s hips were too strong, and he remained upright.

Hasegawa, a former DEEP Openweight World Champion, experienced more success with his punches as the seconds ticked by, and he landed his lead hook several times. Undeterred, “The Burmese Python” continued to find his mark with his right kick, and kept clear of his rival’s dangerous straight left.

After escaping from a clinch on the fence, Aung La N Sang made the most of Hasegawa’s increasing forward momentum. He waited for the 32-year-old to lunge in, and then connected with a hard straight right hand to score a decisive knockdown.

Edited by Win Htut