ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai will defend his title against Dagestani grappler Shamil Gasanov in the main event of ONE Fight Night 43 on 16 May. The bout takes place at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium and headlines a card built around this clash.
Tang, 30, is China's first male MMA World Champion. He holds a 19-3 career record and an 8-1 run in ONE, with five wins by finish. He remains unbeaten at featherweight, winning the belt in 2022 and unifying it in a 2024 rematch with Thanh Le.
Gasanov, also 30, enters as a dangerous submission expert. The Russian owns an 18-1 professional record and a 6-1 mark in ONE. Representing Peresvet Fight Team and Tiger Muay Thai, he rides a five-fight winning streak fuelled by strong wrestling and tight
control.
The fight shapes as a classic striker versus grappler test. Tang brings sharp boxing and quick combinations. Gasanov threatens with takedowns and submissions. Both men have trained at Tiger Muay Thai, giving each some insight. Tang said the shared background adds interest to the tactical battle.
"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," Tang said.
Tang recently suffered a TKO defeat to Akbar Abdullaev in a non-title bout, which raised doubts over his form. He sees Gasanov as the right test. "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.
Tang remains open on how the fight ends. "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. When we get in the ring, let's leave with no regrets. "
