ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera and two-division ONE World Champion Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang are proving to the world that they do not need to be brash to sell seats.
The pair will compete for Aung La’s ONE Light Heavyweight World Title in one of the featured bouts of ONE: Century set on October 13 at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.
It has been one of the most highly anticipated bouts of the year since Vera challenged “The Burmese Python” last March at ONE: A New Era.
And since then, it has been a rivalry hinged on respect, mutual admiration, and competitiveness.
“In today’s world, it’s hard to find ‘men’ – being a father, a good role model, a true martial artist. Somebody everyone can look up to and aspire to become or follow in their footsteps,” Vera said in an interview with ONEFC.com.
“Aung La is younger than me, but as a whole, he is a man among men, and I do put him in a different category to other people.”
“The Truth” is not only a fan of Aung La as an athlete but also as a person.
“He’s very well-rounded in life. He’s an alpha male in the most respectful and polite manner. If the world was full of Aung Las, the world would be a better place.”
For “The Burmese Python,” the admiration is mutual.
“I accepted it because I’m a Brandon Vera fan. I’ve been a fan since he started his career and I’ve always rooted for him,” Aung La said.
“To be able to compete against someone of his character is an honor for me, so I’m excited about it.”
But make no mistake, they are both still fiercely competitive. Both athletes are looking for ways to get the advantage entering their titanic clash in Tokyo.
“I think the biggest difference between us is our experience. During his matches, I look for those little holes he still has because of his lack of experience,” Vera said.
“I’m not going to outpace Aung La, [and] I’m not going to outwork Aung La. I’m not going to be a bully, because that’s impossible. He’s been through the same system.”
Aung La admits that he will be challenged by Vera, who is probably the biggest athlete he has faced inside the ONE Circle. Still, the 34-year-old insists that he will not back down, as he plans to come at Vera from the first round until the last.
“Brandon Vera is lengthier, he’s heavier, he has knockout power, a good ground game – he poses a lot of threats. But one thing I have is heart. You can nail me for five, five-minute rounds, but I always come back at you,” Aung La said.
“I have a great team behind me – Hard Knocks 365. I’ll be able to feel comfortable in a very uncomfortable situation that Brandon Vera brings.”
Catch ONE Championship’s next event, ONE: Immortal Triumph, on September 6 in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. It will be the organization’s first-ever all-Super Series event. Watch live on the ONE Super App.
More From ONE Championship:
Brandon Vera Reveals Why He Challenged Aung La N Sang
Aung La N Sang Wants Another Bout Before Brandon Vera Showdown
First Bouts Announced For Momentous ONE: CENTURY Event In Tokyo
