Tang Kai plans to show striking evolution at ONE Fight Night 27: “I want to finish this fight by KO” 

ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai is a renowned finisher with five stoppages in eight promotional showings. But the Chinese terror wants to continue his exceptional handiwork at ONE Fight Night 27. 

Tang meets #5-ranked featherweight MMA contender Akbar Abdullaev in the main event on Friday, January 10, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.  

The 28-year-old has witnessed Abdullaev’s rapid rise to contention. Tang has utilized a similar approach. But the reigning king believes his overall abilities will allow him to hand the unbeaten challenger the first defeat of his career. And he plans on doing it by knockout.  

“His strength is the way he pushes forward. Compared with me, I think my strength is my sticking and moving. I think we both are good strikers and we each have knockout power, but the key is who can find their timing first,” Tang said.  

“I want to finish this fight by KO, but I’m also prepared for a five-round contest.” 

Tang Kai unfazed by Akbar Abdullaev’s hype

Surging challenger Akbar Abdullaev has demolished all foes en route to World Title contention. But one man he hasn’t impressed is ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai. 

Abdullaev has knocked out all three of his opponents. Two of those came in less than 45 seconds. Tang believes those wins have stemmed from the Kyrgyzstani’s unrelenting pressure.  

But on the flip side, Tang welcomes that pressure and believes he performs best when the going gets tough.  

“It is a good record, but just look at all his opponents – none of them impressed me. I think [his perfect record] is only because he is very brave and he always pushes forward,” Tang said. 

“​​I have known my opponents will be stronger and stronger since the day I got the belt, and I am improving myself every day, too. It is what a champion should do.”