HomeOneTang Kai's Reign: The Rise of a Featherweight Champion

Tang Kai’s Reign: The Rise of a Featherweight Champion

Discover the unstoppable journey of Tang Kai, the first Chinese-born male MMA world champion, and his potential next big fight.

Milestone Detail
First Chinese-born male MMA world champion Achieved by Tang Kai
Notable victories Wins over Sung Jon Lee and Thanh Le
Potential next opponent ‘The Lion Killer’ Garry Tonon

The Meteoric Rise of Tang Kai in MMA

Tang Kai, the reigning ONE featherweight MMA world champion, has proven to be an unstoppable force in the world of mixed martial arts. His journey through the ranks of ONE Championship is a tale of determination and skill, culminating in a historic victory that crowned him the first Chinese-born male MMA world champion.

Early Days in ONE Championship

Tang Kai began his career in ONE Championship with a stunning performance, securing six consecutive wins, four of which were knockouts. His debut was particularly memorable, where he defeated Sung Jon Lee with a powerful second-round knockout. This impressive start set the stage for his future successes.

Climbing to the Top

His relentless pursuit of excellence led him to challenge the former champion, Thanh Le, at ONE 160 in August 2022. After five rounds of dominant fighting, Tang Kai emerged victorious by unanimous decision, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Defending the Crown

As the defending champion, Tang Kai faced Thanh Le once again at ONE 166 in Qatar. This rematch was short-lived, as Tang Kai delivered a decisive third-round knockout with a right hook, reaffirming his dominance in the featherweight division.

The Next Challenger

Looking ahead, the featherweight division is ripe with potential challengers for Tang Kai. Among them, ‘The Lion Killer’ Garry Tonon stands out. Tonon, known for his grappling prowess, has secured three consecutive victories, all by submission, showcasing an impressive 89% finish rate. His track record makes him a formidable contender for the title.

Tang Kai’s Potential Matchup

Opponent Result Method
Sung Jon Lee Win KO
Thanh Le (ONE 160) Win Decision
Thanh Le (ONE 166) Win KO
Garry Tonon (Potential) TBD TBD

As Tang Kai continues to defend his title, the MMA community eagerly anticipates his next moves. Will ‘The Lion Killer’ be the next to challenge the reigning champion? Only time will tell as the saga of Tang Kai unfolds in the thrilling world of ONE Championship.