The Canadian fighter talks Conor McGregor, the BKFC partnership, and why Mike Perry or Cowboy Cerrone would possibly 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 wager he’s lived a rare life. Born in Canada however adopted by the folks of Myanmar, Dave Leduc fought his approach to the highest of Lethwei, the traditional Burmese artwork of 9 limbs. He turned the face of the game and stays its most influential determine right this moment.
Dave Leduc
I first met Leduc in Mandalay whereas commentating his World Lethwei Championship bout towards 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 towards nationwide hero Promenade Samnang. It was a becoming farewell: knockout-only guidelines, no gloves, pure warrior spirit.
Now based mostly in Phnom Penh, Leduc has shifted his focus to constructing the following era. His latest venture is Kong MMA, a health club on Cambodia’s island of Koh Rong. The power, as a consequence of open inside six months, goals to change into the nation’s reply to Thailand’s Tiger Muay Thai, the place Leduc as soon as skilled and fought within the southern stadiums. “It’ll be Cambodia’s hub for world-class coaching,” he mentioned. “A spot the place folks can expertise actual martial arts tradition.”
Leduc can 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 world audience 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 mentioned. “Conor was very touched. He’s helped all disciplines by bringing extra eyes to fight sports activities.”
Leduc mentioned the 2 shared mutual respect on the occasion. “Conor advised me he loves Lethwei. He referred to as me the headbutt grasp,” Leduc mentioned. “He understands what it means to be a warrior. Once 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. “Will probably 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 mentioned. “There gained’t be a kill damage timeout, and there might be choices as a result of there’s playing concerned. You want a transparent final result.”
That mix of custom and regulation may 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 may assist spark a revival. “We’re reliving one other golden period,” he mentioned. “After years of setbacks, it’s time to deliver Lethwei again.”
The crossover potentialities are already making headlines. “Mike Perry mentioned on Joe Rogan he’d like to strive 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 passionate about making it occur. “They advised me once I was in Rome, ‘Come to Florida in December, let’s do that,’” he mentioned.
Requested if he would possibly 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 may do yet one more, perhaps just a few. Once 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. “We’ve to indicate the world Myanmar is able to host once more,” he mentioned. “2026 might be a giant 12 months for Lethwei.”
The King of 9 Limbs constructed his legend by means of bare-knuckle fight. Now he’s getting 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.
