Reigning ONE featherweight MMA world champion Tang Kai of China is staying right where he is, shelving any immediate plans to move up in weight.
After successfully defending his crown in spectacular fashion against Shamil Gasanov at ONE Fight Night 43 last May 15, fans naturally expect the Chinese superstar to chase double-champ status.
However, Tang is fully committed to cleaning out his own division first and building an undeniable legacy at featherweight.
Speaking to ONE Championship, the 30-year-old knockout artist completely dismissed talks of two-sport supremacy. Instead, he acknowledged that there is still plenty of work left to do in his current weight class.
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The 155-pound MMA kingpin told ONE Championship in his post-fight interview:
“Not so much. Because I got the belt two times. I want to defend [my belt] more. We will see in the future.”
For Tang Kai, defending his throne against possible usurpers will be his main mission.
The division is packed with hungry challengers, and Tang knows he has a massive target on his back. The Chinese superstar certainly welcomes the pressure that comes with being the hunted.
Tang Kai praises coaches for neutralizing Shamil Gasanov
Tang Kai was in the zone against Shamil Gasanov from start to finish. He stuffed the Russian challenger’s elite wrestling attacks and battered him on the feet.
After the match, he credited his absolute trust in his coaches, who prepared him perfectly to shut down his opponent’s greatest weapons.
“Before the fight, my coach and my team told me that I’m better at everything than my opponent,” he told ONE.
“They said, just believe in yourself. So when I defended his first takedown, I felt more confident. He didn’t surprise me at all.”
The full replay of ONE Fight Night 43 is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
Edited by Aziel Karthak
