Tang Kai Dismantles Shamil Gasanov To Retain Featherweight MMA World Title At ONE Fight Night 43

Tang Kai silenced his most dangerous challenger yet, stopping Shamil Gasanov via TKO at 2:41 of round four to retain the ONE Featherweight MMA World Championship and bag a US$50,000 bonus at ONE Fight Night 43 on Prime Video, which aired live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, May 15.

The Dagestani entered the bout as perhaps the most complete featherweight mixed martial artist Tang had ever faced – he possessed a near-flawless record, renowned grappling, and the submission expertise to threaten even the most careful titleholder.

But that didn’t faze the Chinese star. He had answers for everything.

Tang spent the first round turning away takedown attempt after takedown attempt, sprawling with authority each time Gasanov shot in and adding sharp punches to discourage him from trying again. The message was clear from the opening minutes.

Gasanov adjusted in the second, abandoning his wrestling and opting to trade strikes instead. That suited China’s first-ever male MMA World Champion perfectly. Tang, who trains at Sunkin International Fight Club, popped jabs into his challenger’s face throughout the round, getting the better of every exchange as the Dagestani contender grew frustrated.

The Russian returned to his takedown-heavy strategy in the third, but Tang continued to stuff his shots with ease. He then started targeting the lead leg with low kicks, further eroding Gasanov’s ability to shoot. A telling right hand at the end of the stanza underlined just how thoroughly he was controlling the main event battle.

The low kicks continued to pile up in the fourth, bone crashing into muscle until one buckled Gasanov’s leg and forced him to shoot out of desperation. He momentarily gained dominant control on the ground, but Tang reversed the position and wrapped his foe up in a cradle.

Both men returned to their feet, and the Chinese dynamo blasted him in the head with a knee before whipping another low kick into the same damaged leg. Gasanov crumpled into the fetal position, and Tang rained down hammerfists until the referee stepped in.

The victory improved Tang’s record to 20-3 and cemented his status as one of the most complete fighters in the sport today. He has now defended his featherweight gold twice, with a performance that left no doubt about who rules the division.