Tang Kai enters ONE Fight Night 43 with a point to prove and a title that has never been more contested

Tang Kai makes his second ONE Featherweight MMA World Title defense against Dagestani submission specialist Shamil “The Cobra” Gasanov in the main event of ONE Fight Night 43: Tang vs. Gasanov on Prime Video, broadcasting live in U.S. primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, May 15.

The 30-year-old Sunkin International Fight Club representative holds a 19-3 professional record with 15 knockouts and has reigned as ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion since August 2022, when he defeated Thanh Le by unanimous decision to become China’s first male MMA World Champion. He unified the belts against Le in a third-round TKO rematch at ONE 166 in March 2024 and has not competed since.

Tang is not dwelling on what happened against Abdullaev. He is focused on what Friday night represents. Gasanov carries an 18-1 record, five consecutive wins, and the most complete grappling skill set in the featherweight division. Tang has studied him. The respect is real. So is the confidence.

“He’s a good wrestler, very well rounded. One of the best in the world. We already know each other from Tiger Muay Thai. I think he must have studied my style for quite a long time. So let’s see what he brings to the table,” he said.

“[It’s] hard to say he has any weakness; I think he’s good both with the striking and grappling. But I’m also confident with my hands, when I land it, it’s over for anybody.”

Tang Kai wants to remind the division what he is capable of at ONE Fight Night 43

Tang Kai has not fought since March 2024. That is over a year of watching challengers build their cases while his own legacy sat frozen. A performance against Gasanov has the power to change that narrative in one night.

He is not fixated on the method. A finish would silence every lingering question about where he stands. Five rounds would do the same if he controls them. What matters to Tang is the statement, not the scorecards.

“It would mean that I’m still the Tang Kai that everyone missed. Shamil is one of the best and by defeating him, I can prove I’m still at the top of the division,” he said.

“Of course I would love to deliver a finish for the fans, but I’m also prepared for a five-round war. We’ll see what happens. Let’s put on a great show for the fans. We have all been waiting for this moment far too long. And when we get in the ring, let’s leave with no regrets.”