Malaysia’s most beloved martial artists only had one name in mind when asked to choose their favorite ONE World Champion.

That name was ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang.

The country’s biggest martial arts stars said he redefines the meaning of what a World Champion is truly all about.

Featherweight contender Keanu Subba recalled some of his earliest meetings with the two-division ONE World Champion.

“He’s a really cool and funny guy,” offered Subba, who competed on the same card as Aung La N Sang in July 2016.

“I’ve met him a couple of times, and he’s always a humble and down to earth individual.”

Subba cited the ONE Middleweight World Title bout between Aung La N Sang and Japan’s Ken Hasegawa at ONE: SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR last June as an epic battle that truly defined his championship status.

“That’s my favorite Aung La N Sang fight,” he continued. “He showed patience and fought hard until the very end like a true champion.”

Agilan “Alligator” Thani echoed a similar sentiment, saying “The Burmese Python” is special because of his desire to take on anyone at any given time.

“He is a very humble athlete and at the same time, [he is] very game to take on anyone in the division,” Thani explained. “These values make him a special champion.”

Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan is another fan of “The Burmese Python.” In fact, she followed his career even before she signed with ONE Championship.

She said Aung La N Sang’s abilities make him a top athlete to watch.

“He is my favorite champion because although he is a ONE World Champion, he is still so humble and friendly,” she said. “He is a true example of what a champion should be.”

Thani, Subba, and Jihin will be behind their hero when defends his middleweight strap against Hasegawa in a rematch at ONE: A NEW ERA in Tokyo, Japan on 31 March.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dua-pQNMbI