ONE Fight Night 43: Shamil Gasanov Targets TKO Finish Against Tang Kai in Featherweight Title Clash

Shamil Gasanov enters the biggest fight of his career with firm belief. The Russian will challenge Tang Kai for the ONE Featherweight MMA World Championship at ONE Fight Night 43 on 16 May, in the main event at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium.

The 30-year-old Dagestani wrestler holds an 18-1 career record. He is 6-1 in ONE Championship and represents Tiger Muay Thai and Peresvet Fight Team. Gasanov is on a five-fight winning streak, built on tight grappling that has smothered high-level rivals so far.

Strategy built around takedowns and surprise striking

Gasanov has shared a detailed look at his game plan. He respects Tang Kai's striking skills but sees clear gaps. The challenger expects to use steady takedowns, while also aiming to surprise the Chinese champion with sharp stand-up exchanges during the title

clash.

"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 said.

The Dagestani grappler plans to chase submissions whenever chances arise. He wants to test Tang Kai's resolve across all five rounds. Gasanov expects that the deeper stages, known as the championship rounds, could decide a hard contest between the featherweight rivals.

Commitment to "break him in every round

"I will try to apply any painful hold if I have the opportunity in a fight. 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," he said.

Despite this being his first shot at a ONE Championship World Title, Gasanov insists the stage brings no extra pressure. He treats it as another step toward his goals and predicts a decisive finish over Tang Kai in their featherweight title meeting.

"I don't feel any pressure. For me it's just a fight. 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," Gasanov said.