Tang Kai has become a father, a global ambassador for Chinese MMA and a long-reigning world champion all at once. None of it, he insists, will change the way he fights.
The reigning ONE featherweight MMA world champion defends his 26 pounds of gold against Gasanov in the headline attraction of ONE Fight Night 43 on Prime Video, broadcasting live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Friday.
The Chinese star returns to action after an extended layoff, and with that absence has come an entirely new set of responsibilities that have reshaped who he is outside the Circle.
Inside it, however, Tang Kai has zero interest in becoming a different version of himself.
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The 19-3 career record built on 15 knockouts speaks to the kind of fighter the Sunkin International Fight Club star has always been — explosive and always willing to swing for the fences.
Speaking to ONE Championship ahead of fight night, the ONE featherweight MMA world champion made it absolutely clear.
“No matter what, I’m still me,” Kai said. “Still working hard to fight my best every time. To bring the fans more exciting fights. That’s what I’m supposed to do.”
Tang Kai says victory over Shamil Gasanov will prove why he’s the top dog in featherweight
Tang Kai returns to the Circle more fired up than ever to remind fight fans why he sits right atop the stacked featherweight MMA mountain.
In the interview with the promotion, the 30-year-old was asked about the significance of claiming a win over Shamil Gasanov, with whom he had worked closely at Tiger Muay Thai in the past.
“It would mean that I’m still the Tang Kai that everyone missed,” he said. “Shamil is one of the best, and by defeating him, I can prove I’m still at the top of the division.”
Fight fans in the United States and Canada can catch the entire ONE Fight Night 43 card, live in U.S. primetime, for free on Friday.
Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein
