In the past couple of years, a few martial artists from Myanmar have emerged on the global stage for martial arts and transformed into international superstars.
Two-division ONE World Champion Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang is an established national icon, and undefeated featherweight contender Phoe “Bushido” Thaw is following closely behind him.
Both athletes will attempt to build on their respective legacies and claim victory at ONE: PURSUIT OF GREATNESS, live from the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar on Friday, 26 October.
However, as Myanmar’s mixed martial arts scene continues to grow, more local athletes are stepping into the limelight and looking for their major breakthrough in The Home Of Martia Arts.
Here are three promising competitors who are on the path to superstardom.
Mite Yine
Mite Yine may have gotten a late start to the martial arts, but he became one of his country’s most talented stars.
After beginning his training in lethwei when he was 19, the Hpa-An native reached the pinnacle of the sport by claiming the Gold Belt Championship on two occasions at 57 kilograms.
Now, he has his eyes on capturing gold in mixed martial arts. The 28-year-old made a successful start in his promotional debut at ONE: SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR in June by defeating Saw Darwait via TKO.
At ONE: PURSUIT OF GREATNESS, Mite Yine will look to build on that momentum by facing the man below.
Ye Thway Ne
Ye Thway Ne is just scratching the surface.
In 2013, the Kayah State resident started training in lethwei, and he has since experienced tremendous success. He boasts an incredible record of 51 wins against one loss and 34 draws, and is a two-time Gold Belt Champion.
Although the Taung Ka Lay gym product had a tough mixed martial arts debut against Muay Thai stylist Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit in May 2016, he came back stronger.
Ye Thway Ne won his next three bouts, including a split decision against Saw Min Min at ONE: QUEST FOR GOLD in February after three thrilling rounds.
The 21-year-old hopes to extend his streak to four when he meets his compatriot Mite Yine at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium next weekend.
Bozhena Antoniyar
Bozhena Antoniyar, who is originally from Loikaw in eastern Myanmar, started her martial arts training with boxing at the age of 16. She moved around the country, sharpening her skills, and eventually became a two-time national boxing champion.
In 2017, she taught the sweet science at Transcend Fitness Center in Yangon and started adding grappling into her repertoire in anticipation of making the switch to mixed martial arts.
The 23-year-old made an unforgettable debut at ONE: QUEST FOR GOLD in February when she defeated national lethwei champion Shwe Sin in 24 seconds via TKO to set the record for the fastest stoppage victory in women’s atomweight history.
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