Shamil Gasanov Says He Has Multiple Ways to Dethrone Featherweight King Tang Kai
Russian submission specialist Shamil "The Cobra" Gasanov is ready to claim ONE Championship gold.
The 30-year-old will challenge reigning ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai in the main event of ONE Fight Night 43 on Friday, May 15, live in U.S. primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
This fight was originally scheduled for last month, but it was pushed back one month at Gasanov's request due to Ramadan.
The extra time has only sharpened his preparation, and the Russian arrives with a clear game plan for dismantling the Chinese titleholder.
Gasanov Plans to Beat Tang Everywhere
Gasanov has done extensive work with strikers to prepare for a champion known for his sharp boxing. The Russian challenger is not planning to simply drag the fight to the mat and survive on his feet. He is targeting a complete performance.
"I've worked a lot with strong strikers to be ready for anything. Tang Kai is a serious striker, but he has some disadvantages that we will use in battle. I will try to knock him down, I think this is no secret to anyone, but I also plan to beat him in the standing position, so we will use all our skills to win this fight," Gasanov said.
Gasanov began his martial arts career in wrestling in Dagestan before transitioning to MMA in 2014, building a 12-0 record on the regional circuit before arriving in ONE Championship. His 18-1 career record and submission-hunting game are built on a foundation of wrestling-based control, and his coaches at Tiger Muay Thai and Peresvet Fight Team have added the striking dimensions he needs to compete on the feet against a World Champion of Tang’s caliber.
Gasanov Won’t Let Tang Land His Leg Kicks
The Russian challenger has identified leg kicks as a weapon to neutralize in his game plan against the Chinese titleholder. Gasanov has mapped out the stylistic contrasts between the two fighters while making clear he is prepared for every phase of their contest.
"We have different styles. Tang Kai is basically a striker, I'm basically a wrestler, but anything can happen in a fight, so don't blink. We've done a lot of work with the coaches. Of course, we know his strengths, and we've prepared well in that area. I won't let him hit me in the legs," he explained.
Tang Kai, who owns a 19-3 record and eight wins in ONE, has demolished everyone he has faced in the featherweight division. But Gasanov brings a five-fight winning streak into the contest, which includes a victory over Garry Tonon, the only person to defeat him in his career.
Gasanov Plans to Break Tang Down with Chokes and Pressure
If that match goes into the championship rounds, Gasanov's plan is clear. The submission artist has a specific approach in mind for breaking down the champion as the fight progresses, combining grappling holds with sustained physical pressure.
"I will try to apply any painful hold if I have the opportunity in a fight. I really like choke holds. I will try to break him in every round, but I know this will be a tough fight for both of us, and a lot will be decided in the championship rounds," he said.
A title fight that goes deep into championship territory plays directly into Gasanov's hands. His wrestling base and submission instincts become more dangerous as fatigue sets in.
ONE Fight Night 43 takes place on Friday, May 15, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and broadcasts live on Prime Video for subscribers in United States and Canada.
