‘Burmese Python’ Beats ‘Chocolate Thunder’ in MMA Showdown

A judge lifts the arm of Aung La N Sang, right, following his mixed martial arts (MMA) victory over Shedrick Goodridge on Saturday in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo: Aung La N Sang / Facebook)

The ethnic Kachin cage fighter Aung La N Sang, also known as the “Burmese Python,†defeated his American opponent Shedrick Goodridge in a bout on Saturday in the United States.

A picture of a judge raising the arm of Aung La N Sang, wearing a white shirt featuring his reptilian nickname, was posted to the fighter’s Facebook page after his victory at the Borgata hotel and casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“Thank you God for blessing me with the victory,†he wrote on Facebook. “Thank you friends, family and fans for the unending support. Love you guys.†An outpouring of comments from fans congratulated Aung La N Sang following his victory.

Born in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State in northern Burma, Aung La N Sang is a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who now calls the US state of Maryland his home.

The Kachin fighter’s popularity has grown with a string of recent victories over opponents. In October last year, he defeated Jason Louck in a first-round knockout. Many of his fans, increasingly connected to the digital world, watched the fight online in Burma.

Aung La N Sang described Goodridge, known as “Chocolate Thunder,†as a “young and hungry 6 [foot] 2 [inch] fighter … an exciting striker and a good wrestler.â€

“We fight because it’s in our blood,†Aung La N Sang wrote on his Facebook page prior to Saturday’s showdown.