‘I Have A Better Ground Game’ – Gilberto Galvao Plans To Submit Aung La N Sang In Long-Awaited Return

After more than three years away from the Circle, veteran submission artist Gilberto Galvao is ready to make a splash in his return to action.

At ONE Fight Night 6: Superbon vs. Allazov on Prime Video, the powerful Brazilian will square off with former middleweight and light heavyweight king Aung La N Sang in a 215-pound catchweight MMA bout that has the makings of an all-out war.

Set to air in U.S. primetime this Friday, January 13, the fight will be Galvao’s first appearance since June 2019.

With so much time away, he is understandably chomping at the bit to get back inside the Circle and tussle with the famed Myanmar icon.

The 40-year-old told ONEFC.com:

“I am very excited about my return to ONE. It’s going to be really cool to do this fight. I was a little absent, but now I’m back, and I’m very motivated and excited about this opportunity to fight in ONE Championship again.”

Even though he’s been out of professional competition, “Giba” hasn’t let himself get out of shape.

In addition to his regular training in all of MMA’s component disciplines, he’s maintained an elite level of fitness as a personal trainer and a CrossFit instructor.

By keeping his body in peak physical condition, the Brazilian was able to accept this high-stakes fight against Aung La N Sang with little hesitation – and on just two weeks’ notice

Galvao explained:

“Physically, I feel that I am very well prepared. As I said, I had been taking care of my physical condition. I’m just out of fighting rhythm.”

Gilberto Galvao’s Game Plan Is ‘No Secret’

Gilberto Galvao is well aware that he’ll be facing one of the sport’s most dangerous finishers this Friday.

After all, Aung La N Sang owns 11 stoppages in ONE Championship, including a first-round demolition of Japanese MMA icon Yushin Okami in his last outing.

With that in mind, “Giba” is giving his opponent plenty of credit:

“As I said, I’ve been following Aung La N Sang’s career for a long time. 

“He’s a knockout artist, he kicks really well, but I hope to surprise him. I had very little time to train for this fight, I think two weeks, but I’m believing in my training and my experience to put on a good fight.”

As one of MMA’s most skilled and experienced grapplers, Galvao also has plenty of reasons to believe in his own abilities.

Feared for his crushing strength and suffocating top control, the Brazilian star trusts that his top-end wrestling and submission acumen will overcome Aung La N Sang’s striking prowess.

He said:

“I haven’t fought for a long time, but I know I take down better than him, and I have a better ground game than him. Those are my most dangerous weapons. 

“But I’m going up to put up a good fight. ONE Championship called me for this, and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going up in the cage to put on a show.”

With 38 career bouts on his resume, Galvao might still have a few tricks left up his sleeve. At the same time, his strategy remains simple – secure the takedown and finish the fight by submission.

It’s an approach that has carried him to great heights and a 30-7-1 MMA record throughout his illustrious career. Now, he fully intends to implement it once again at ONE Fight Night 6.

“Giba” added:

“I’m going to try to corner him, use a grinding game to put him down, and look for the submission. There’s no secret. 

“I already know his game, and I hope to put on a great fight. I am confident in a victory.”