Tang Kai Dismantles Shamil Gasanov To Retain Featherweight MMA World Title At ONE Fight Night 43
The Chinese star knocked out the Dagestani contender in the fourth round of the main event.
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.
View this post on Instagram 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.