Tang Kai's corner gave him one instruction before ONE Fight Night 43, and he followed through with perfection.
The ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion stopped Shamil Gasanov via TKO at 2:41 of round four at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok on Friday, May 15, to retain his title and pick up a $50,000 performance bonus.
The finish came on the legs. Calf kicks that accumulated across four rounds until one buckled Gasanov completely, forcing a desperate takedown attempt that Tang reversed before closing the show with hammerfists. The strategy was not part of the original game plan. Tang made the call as the damage became visible.
"I just tried to calf kick to know how he feels," he said. "I could feel that he got hurt. He got hurt, so I kept kicking."
Gasanov had arrived as the most credible wrestling threat Tang had faced as champion. He had an 18-1 record built on Dagestani grappling, a deep submission arsenal, and the physical tools to drag fights to the floor. Tang's team had prepared thoroughly for all of it, and the preparation showed from the first exchange.
"Shamil is a very good opponent, and the team knew he had good wrestling and he was a good athlete, so that's why in this fight we prepared everything for him," Tang said. "When I defended his first takedown, I felt more confident. He didn't surprise me at all."
Neutralising Gasanov's wrestling stripped him of his primary weapon and left him in a striking fight he was not built to win. Tang controlled every exchange from that point, and his verdict on the challenger afterward carried genuine respect.
"He is tough. He's good, but I defended all of his takedowns, so he couldn't do anything," he said. "He's still a very great fighter."
Tang acknowledged the ring rust that came with an extended layoff and held himself to the standard he always applies.
"I haven't had a fight in a while, so I feel a little bit tired. I can do better," he said. "Next fight, I will do better. I will show my fans I can fight better."
