World Lethwei Championship has recently announced that Dave Leduc will be making his promotional debut against 11-time UFC veteran Seth Baczynski.
The scheduled bout will take place at WLC: King of Nine Limbs on August 2 in Mandalay, Myanmar, for the vacant cruiserweight (79 to 84kg) World Lethwei Championship.
Dave “The Nomad” Leduc has brought Lethwei to unprecedented heights. Despite being less than three years into his career, the Canadian has fought some of the best athletes the ancient sport has to offer such as Too Too, Cyrus Washington and Tun Tun Min. However, he is in for a new challenge; Leduc will be welcoming seasoned mixed martial artist Seth Baczynski to the WLC.
Seth Baczynski is no stranger to high-level competition. The former UFC fighter has wins over top welterweights Matt Brown and Neil Magny and walks into this bout with a slight height and weight advantage.
Many fans recall Baczynski from the popular reality show “The Ultimate Fighter,” where he featured on the 11th and 25th season of the show. Although he never won the show, he was awarded a UFC contract for his efforts. During his two spells under the world’s biggest MMA promotion, “The Polish Pistola” compiled a record of 5-6, most notably defeating #13 ranked Neil Magny.
He spoke to The Body Lock about transitioning to Lethwei and why he believes he will defeat Leduc for the vacant cruiserweight world title.
“When you get to travel the world it changes you for the better, if you’re open to it. Seeing the way other people live, other traditions and point of views, it opens your mind to new possibilities.”
“For me it’s always been about believing in your technique and preparation so much that you can perform in front of an arena full of people in a foreign country with the chips stacked against you” he said, “I’ve been preparing for situations like this my whole life in some way shape or form.”
U Zay Thiha, the WLC chairman, shared his thoughts on the fight and stated that this will be the biggest event in Lethwei history.
“Dave Leduc is one of the greatest Lethwei fighters in history, but now he faces his toughest test to date against Seth Baczynski.”
Also on the card is the newly launched women’s division, where Muay Thai expert Souris Manfredi will be making her Lethwei debut. She will be facing Cambodia’s highest ranked female fighter Eh Yanut, daughter of legendary kickboxer Eh Phutong.
August 2 is shaping up to be a monumental night for Lethwei despite the full card not being announced.
The event will be streamed live on Canal+ and UFC Fight Pass.
In case you missed it, here's the announcement for the epic main event coming up at WLC: KING OF NINE LIMBS!@kingleduc VS @Sethbmma– Cruiserweight World Lethwei Championship!
August 2. Mandalar Thiri Indoor Stadium. Mandalay, Myanmar. Live on @canalplus @UFCFightPass pic.twitter.com/adtOPEU7PM
— World Lethwei Championship (@WorldLethwei) May 13, 2019