Top-ranked contender Tang Kai has demonstrated on numerous occasions that he is the man to beat in ONE Championship’s featherweight division.

The Chinese phenom has been calling for a shot at the divisional crown for some time now, and at ONE 160 on August 26, he’ll get his chance when he steps into the Circle to challenge ONE Featherweight World Champion Thanh Le.

His well-rounded arsenal has pushed him to six successive wins at the Singapore-based promotion, and ahead of his return, we take a look at three of his best performances to show why he could be the new titleholder in the stacked weight class by the time ONE 160 concludes.

Crushing head kick KO in his debut

Tang announced himself to ONE’s global fanbase in impressive style when he finished Sung Jong Lee in his promotional debut in 2019.

Trending

Dale Jr Unmasks Teresa Earnhardt’s Refusal to Sell Him His Late Father’s Prized Possession That Forced Relocation Move

April 17, 2024 12:29 PM EDT

Restricted by NFL Contract, Simone Biles Reveals if Jonathan Owens Will Attend Paris Olympics 2024

April 17, 2024 09:03 PM EDT

Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series

April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT

Nike Will Not Enforce: Sha’Carri Richardson and Other US Track Women Will Have Freedom for Their Paris Olympics 2024 Outfit

April 15, 2024 08:06 PM EDT

After Team USA’s Defence for Nike, Sha’Carri Richardson and Athing Mu Flaunting Different Olympic Outfits Resurfaces

April 16, 2024 08:22 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

It wasn’t an easy start for the Chinese athlete, as his South Korean rival almost caught him with a submission attempt in the opening round. However, Tang’s knowledge on the canvas allowed him to maneuver his way out of the position.

When the match resumed on the feet, the 26-year-old put his stand-up game to work and dominated most of the exchanges.

“He Dies 10 Times Out of 10”: Thanh Le Shares His Plans for Tang Kai at ONE 160

As the second round got underway, it was clear that Tang was lining up a finish. And 74 seconds into the frame, he let go a devastating left kick that connected with Sung’s face and left him unconscious on the mat.

His come-from-behind victory exhibited why there was so much hype surrounding him prior to his ONE debut.

Striking artillery ousts knockout specialist

When Tang took on fellow knockout specialist Ryogo Takahashi in March 2021, it was guaranteed that there would be a finish, and the Chinese star’s fight IQ, precision, and ruthlessness allowed him to thrive against his Japanese opponent.

Tang broke down Takahashi with a masterclass of strikes and kicks right from the opening bell.

The Sunkin International Fight Club standout increased the pressure as the clock wore on and displayed incredible dexterity by cutting angles and landing even more powerful shots.

Thanh Le, Who Knocked Out Garry Tonon, Warns Tang Kai of His Grappling Skills – “Maybe We Get a Little Grappling in…”

Tang brought an end to the proceedings before the bell in round one thanks to a crisp right hand that caught Takahashi square on the jaw. He followed up with a left hand, a hammerfist, and a bucketload of hooks to convince the referee to intervene and hand him his fourth win in ONE.

Grabbing divisional top spot with an emphatic finish

“The Fighting God” Kim Jae Woong was dismissive of Tang’s impressive run inside the ONE Circle in the lead-up to their tussle at ONE X this past March. The then top-ranked featherweight contender said he viewed the bout as a warm-up fight before taking on divisional king Thanh Le.

But the South Korean star ended up eating his words when he faced Tang, who put his rival’s lights out and snatched the top spot in the rankings at the same time.

Tang was laser-focused to win at all costs, and his footwork and movement ensured Kim caught mostly air when stepping forward with strikes and kicks.

The knockout artist relied on his counterattacking game to hurt “The Fighting God,” and his ability to connect allowed him to land a big finish after just 127 seconds of the first frame.

Kim lunged in with a straight right, but Tang stood his ground and replied with a two-shot combination. The first narrowly missed the mark, but the left hook that followed instantly put the South Korean’s lights out.

Tang’s dominance was now undeniable, and he set himself on a collision course with Le thanks to the emphatic win.

REVISIT: Joe Rogan Getting Inspiration From ‘SAVAGE’ Liam Harrison, Who Will Compete for Gold on ONE on Prime Video 1