China’s most accomplished featherweight MMA champion, Tang Kai, is scheduled for his second title defense. He will face Russian challenger Shamil “The Cobra” Gasanov for the ONE Featherweight MMA World Title. This highly anticipated main event will take place at ONE Fight Night 42 on April 10, broadcast live during U.S. primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Tang’s ascent to the top of the division was marked by strategic patience and precise execution. After joining ONE Championship, he achieved a remarkable six-fight winning streak, including three first-round stoppages, which earned him a shot at then-champion Thanh Le at ONE 160 in August 2022.
In a meticulously fought five-round contest, the fighter from Sunkin International Fight Club effectively targeted Le’s lead leg, dictated the pace, and found his striking rhythm, ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory. This historic win made him China’s first male MMA World Champion, a triumph celebrated extensively by his fans in Shaoyang, Hunan province.
His reign was temporarily halted by an injury, during which Le claimed the interim title. Their rematch at ONE 166: Qatar in March 2024 served as a title unification bout. Tang delivered a dominant performance, systematically dismantling Le and securing a third-round TKO. This decisive victory not only solidified his claim but also earned him a US$50,000 performance bonus.
Tang’s first promotional setback occurred in a non-title catchweight bout against Akbar Abdullaev, who missed weight. However, this non-championship contest does not impact his standing as champion.
Shamil Gasanov enters this contest as arguably the division’s most formidable contender in recent memory. Representing Peresvet Fight Team and Tiger Muay Thai, Gasanov boasts an impressive 18-1 professional record, including six wins within ONE Championship, characterized by his suffocating grappling and relentless positional dominance.
He announced himself as a serious threat with a swift first-round rear-naked choke victory over Kim Jae Woong, and solidified his contender status with a dominant showing against former longtime divisional champion Martin Nguyen.
His most recent outing at ONE Fight Night 34 saw him avenge his only professional defeat by overcoming the highly-regarded submission specialist Garry Tonon, thereby eliminating any lingering questions about his readiness to challenge for the title.
On April 10, this highly anticipated clash will pit the Chinese champion’s sharp striking against the Russian’s overwhelming grappling. A compelling showdown is guaranteed.