The Canadian fighter talks Conor McGregor, the BKFC partnership, and why Mike Perry or Cowboy Cerrone may quickly expertise the brutality of Lethwei.
When a person’s nicknames embody The King of Lethwei, The Nomad, and The Metal Giraffe, you’ll be able to guess he’s lived a rare life. Born in Canada however adopted by the folks of Myanmar, Dave Leduc fought his technique to the highest of Lethwei, the traditional Burmese artwork of 9 limbs. He grew to become the face of the game and stays its most influential determine as we speak.
Dave Leduc
I first met Leduc in Mandalay whereas commentating his World Lethwei Championship bout in opposition to UFC veteran Seth Baczynski. It was a dismantling. Leduc was in full management and ruthless in execution. Years later, I referred to as what was billed as his retirement battle, a rope-bound Kun Khmer conflict in Cambodia that resulted in a one-sided draw in opposition to nationwide hero Promenade Samnang. It was a becoming farewell: knockout-only guidelines, no gloves, pure warrior spirit.
Now primarily based in Phnom Penh, Leduc has shifted his focus to constructing the subsequent technology. His latest challenge is Kong MMA, a health club on Cambodia’s island of Koh Rong. The ability, because of open inside six months, goals to turn into the nation’s reply to Thailand’s Tiger Muay Thai, the place Leduc as soon as educated and fought within the southern stadiums. “It’ll be Cambodia’s hub for world-class coaching,” he stated. “A spot the place folks can expertise actual martial arts tradition.”
Leduc can also be serving to drive an formidable partnership between BKFC (Naked Knuckle Preventing Championship) with the blessing of the Myanmar Lethwei Federation, geared toward bringing Lethwei to a worldwide viewers below the BKFC banner. The plan was first teased at a current press convention by BKFC president David Feldman alongside Conor McGregor, who accepted a handcrafted Cambodian sword from Leduc himself.
“The warrior sword from the King of Lethwei to the king of the battle recreation,” Leduc stated. “Conor was very touched. He’s helped all disciplines by bringing extra eyes to fight sports activities.”
Leduc stated the 2 shared mutual respect on the occasion. “Conor instructed me he loves Lethwei. He referred to as me the headbutt grasp,” Leduc stated. “He understands what it means to be a warrior. After I gave him the sword, it was an indication of respect from one fighter to a different.”
He described productive talks with Feldman, confirming that the Myanmar federation has been receptive to collaboration. “It is going to be the identical fashion as BKFC, naked knuckle with uncovered wraps, however the spirit of Lethwei will stay. Headbutts will keep. Fighters will nonetheless carry out the problem gesture earlier than the bout. It’s about respect as a lot as violence,” he stated. “There received’t be a kill harm timeout, and there will probably be selections as a result of there’s playing concerned. You want a transparent consequence.”
That mix of custom and regulation might outline the game’s subsequent chapter. Often known as the artwork of 9 limbs, Lethwei permits punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and headbutts. The BKFC collaboration will retain its uncooked edge whereas including construction for worldwide audiences.
For Leduc, who has watched Myanmar endure years of battle and isolation, the potential partnership might assist spark a revival. “We’re reliving one other golden period,” he stated. “After years of setbacks, it’s time to deliver Lethwei again.”
The crossover potentialities are already making headlines. “Mike Perry stated on Joe Rogan he’d like to attempt it. Cowboy Cerrone too,” Leduc revealed. “I even heard he’s agreed in precept to battle below Lethwei guidelines. It’s a bucket-list factor for him.”
Leduc confirmed that Perry has proven real curiosity in competing below Lethwei guidelines, and that each BKFC and McGregor are captivated with making it occur. “They instructed me after I was in Rome, ‘Come to Florida in December, let’s do that,’” he stated.
Requested if he may return himself, Leduc smiled. “It’s been two years since Cambodia. My son’s born, life’s good, however I’m itching for a battle. I might do yet one more, perhaps a number of. After I battle once more, it’ll be with ropes. I promised my followers I’ll by no means battle with gloves once more.”
As Myanmar begins to open once more, Leduc hopes to stage worldwide occasions there earlier than increasing throughout Asia. “Now we have to point out the world Myanmar is able to host once more,” he stated. “2026 will probably be an enormous 12 months for Lethwei.”
The King of 9 Limbs constructed his legend by bare-knuckle fight. Now he’s making ready to steer Lethwei into a brand new period, backed by BKFC, revered by McGregor, and an open thoughts to stepping again within the ring.
