‘I Have Greater Responsibilities’ – Tang Kai Inspired By New Role As Father Ahead Of ONE Fight Night 43
For years, Tang Kai built his reputation through composure, discipline, and knockout power.
But as he prepares to defend the ONE Featherweight MMA World Title against dangerous Russian contender Shamil “The Cobra” Gasanov in the main event of ONE Fight Night 43 on Prime Video, the Chinese superstar admits his motivations have evolved far beyond 26 pounds of gold.
The high-stakes clash takes place on Friday, May 15, live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
For Tang, the matchup represents another opportunity to cement his reign in one of MMA’s deepest divisions. But outside the ring, life has changed dramatically for the 30-year-old since becoming a father last September.
The reigning featherweight king now carries responsibilities that extend beyond defending a belt or maintaining his status as the first-ever male Chinese MMA World Champion.
Tang said:
“Since becoming a father, I have greater responsibilities. I want my kids to have a better life than I had when I was young. I have to work harder, fight harder.”
That shift in perspective has quietly reshaped the ONE World Champion’s mentality.
Tang rose to prominence through a devastating six-fight winning streak in ONE before dethroning Thanh Le to capture the featherweight crown at ONE 160 in August 2022. He later unified the belt against Le in their rematch at ONE 166: Qatar with a statement-making third-round TKO that reinforced his place among the sport’s elite.
Throughout that rise, Tang became known for his calm demeanor and sharp striking, rarely allowing emotion to cloud his performances. But fatherhood, according to the Chinese superstar, has added another layer of maturity and motivation to his life.
The Sunkin International Fight Club representative explained:
“The change is just becoming more mature and having more responsibility. I’m always thinking about family. It gives me more motivation.”
Even with those new responsibilities, Tang insists the core of who he is as a fighter has not changed.
His Russian challenger enters the bout carrying an 18-1 professional record built on relentless grappling and suffocating control. Riding victories over Martin Nguyen and Garry Tonon, “The Cobra” now represents one of the most dangerous tests of Tang’s reign.
Still, the 30-year-old remains committed to fighting with the same hunger and excitement that brought him to the top.
Tang offered:
“No matter what, I’m still me. Still working hard to fight my best every time. To bring the fans more exciting fights. That’s what I’m supposed to do.”
Tang Wants To Inspire China’s Next Generation
ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai understands that every World Title defense now carries weight far beyond his own career.
When he defeated Le to capture the throne in 2022, the victory marked a historic moment for Chinese mixed martial arts.
Overnight, Tang became the first male Chinese MMA World Champion in history and a symbol of how far the nation’s athletes had progressed on the global stage.
The achievement resonated deeply in China, where thousands of supporters celebrated his return to Hunan following the title-winning performance.
Tang said:
“It’s a great honor and pride for me to wear the Chinese national flag, and it also gives me even more motivation. If I win the fight and get to carry the national flag again, it will fill me with even greater pride.”
As Chinese MMA continues to grow internationally, Tang has embraced the responsibility that comes with being one of the sport’s most visible figures.
The featherweight MMA king has never relied on trash talk to build his reputation. Instead, he has earned respect through consistency, discipline, and performances against elite competition.
Now preparing for another crucial World Title defense against Gasanov at ONE Fight Night 43, Tang hopes his journey can inspire the next wave of Chinese martial artists chasing greatness on the world stage.
He said:
“I want to be a role model for the younger generation of Chinese fighters. I will give my all in every fight and strive to defend my title many more times.”
