‘Don’t Blink’ – Shamil Gasanov Promises An Explosive World Title Finish Against Tang Kai At ONE Fight Night 43
Shamil “The Cobra” Gasanov will be faced with the biggest opportunity of his career the next time he steps into the ONE Championship ring.
The 30-year-old Russian star challenges ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai in the main event of ONE Fight Night 43 on Prime Video. The blockbuster spectacle broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on Friday, May 15, from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Originally scheduled to headline ONE Fight Night 42, the World Title clash was pushed back after Gasanov requested additional time to properly observe Ramadan. That crucial decision allowed the Russian contender to enter this high-stakes bout at full capacity.
He told onefc.com:
“This fight was originally planned for April, but I asked the promotion to give me more time to prepare since I was in Ramadan and couldn’t fully prepare for this fight. And they gave me more time, and I was able to prepare better for the fight.”
Now entering the biggest bout of his life, the Peresvet Fight Team and Tiger Muay Thai product arrives ready for a classic clash of styles — elite grappling versus devastating striking. However, his ambitions go far beyond a one-dimensional approach.
Gasanov has spent years refining his suffocating wrestling base in Dagestan while sharpening his striking skills in Thailand. The result is a composed, highly dangerous mixed martial artist who can dictate the action wherever it unfolds.
“The Cobra” said:
“I’ve been training in Thailand for a long time, and this isn’t the first time I’ll be fighting strikers, so I’m always ready for such challenges. I’ve worked a lot with strong strikers to be ready for anything. Tang Kai is a serious striker, but he has some disadvantages that we will use in battle.
“I will try to knock him down, I think this is no secret to anyone, but I also plan to beat him in the standing position, so we will use all our skills to win this fight.”
Gasanov carries an 18-1 professional record built over a decade since turning pro in 2014. From regional circuits in Russia to the global stage, he has consistently evolved while testing himself against a wide range of opponents and styles. That vast experience has translated into massive success against elite strikers inside ONE Championship.
Dominant victories over “The Fighting God” Kim Jae Woong, Aaron “Tommy Gun” Canarte, and former longtime featherweight king Martin “Situ-Asian” Nguyen have proven his ability to neutralize high-level stand-up fighters.
More recently, he erased the only blemish on his record by avenging his loss to Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon with a dominant unanimous decision at ONE Fight Night 34 last August. Each spectacular performance has added another layer to his game and thoroughly prepared him for this exact moment.
Gasanov offered:
“I think yes, that’s true, we have different styles, Tang Kai is basically a striker, I’m basically a wrestler, but anything can happen in a fight, so don’t blink. We’ve done a lot of work with the coaches. Of course, we know his strengths, and we’ve prepared well in that area. I won’t let him hit me in the legs.
“It’s a great experience to fight against such strikers and win. These fights prepare you for the long haul, and I think we’re ready for all five rounds of war in the ring.”
Gasanov Outlines His Plan To Dethrone Tang
Shamil Gasanov returns to Lumpinee Stadium on May 15 with a singular, explosive objective: to dethrone Tang Kai and claim the ONE Featherweight MMA World Title.
This championship bout represents the culmination of years of relentless development and discipline. For “The Cobra,” this is the ultimate proving ground for everything he has built as a martial artist.
With five five-minute rounds potentially ahead of him, the Russian contender is prepared to impose a punishing pace and capitalize on every opening, whether the fight takes place on the feet or on the canvas.
Gasanov said:
“I will try to apply any painful hold if I have the opportunity in a fight. I really like choke holds.
“I will try to break him in every round, but I know this will be a tough fight for both of us, and a lot will be decided in the championship rounds.”
Tang has ruled the featherweight MMA division since August 2022, when he defeated Thanh Le at ONE 160 to become the first male Chinese MMA World Champion. Since then, he has proudly carried the expectations of a nation while establishing himself as one of the most formidable kings in the sport.
With a 19-3 record and 15 knockouts, the 30-year-old titleholder remains the ultimate man to beat. But Gasanov enters the contest with absolute belief in his preparation and his ability to execute under the brightest lights.
He concluded:
“I don’t feel any pressure. For me it’s just a fight, I’m going to go out there one on one with Tang Kai, not with the people, so we will have an equal battle, and the strongest will win.
“First I want to take this belt, and then the challenges will be made in the cage. I have several names I would like to meet in the [ring]! I am going to finish this fight by technical knockout!”
