Tang Kai’s martial arts journey had its fair share of trials and tribulations, but the Chinese MMA star refused to let anything get in the way of the biggest ambition in his career – to become his nation’s first male MMA World Champion. 

At ONE 160: Ok vs. Lee II, his dedication and desire to stick to his passion saw him claim the ONE Featherweight World Title in some fashion at the expense of Thanh Le.

Tang outstriked and outsmarted his rival to earn a clear-cut unanimous decision win inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium, at the same time turning his career ambition into reality.

Tang Kai got the rewards inside the ONE Circle and outside as well

Immediately after the triumph, Tang described it as one of his finest moments to date.

“I feel very lucky. I feel honored to be the man. I feel so proud of myself and so proud of China,” the 26-year-old offered.

He couldn’t have hoped for a better return to his hometown in Shaoyang, Hunan, following his emphatic win in “The Lion City.”

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Around 4,000 fans welcomed him at the city located in the southwestern part of the Hunan province. The newly crowned World Champion was greeted with bouquets of flowers and cheers, with everyone in the crowd trying to get a close glimpse of their hero.

ONE’s official Instagram account shared a short clip of the occasion with a caption that read:

“The NEW ONE Featherweight World Champion receives a hero’s welcome in Shaoyang, as thousands of fans gathered for the homecoming of Tang Kai!”

It was a crowning moment for the Sunkin International Fight Club representative after his perfect expedition inside the Circle thus far. 

The 26-year-old has earned seven wins from seven, knocking out seasoned contenders such as Ryogo Takahashi, Yoon Chang Min, and Kim Jae Woong on the way to his first shot at an MMA World Title.

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In the decisive clash, Tang executed a perfect game plan to take out Le, ending the latter’s reign at the top after only one successful title defense.

Chatri Sityodtong also chimed in to put a shine on China’s first male MMA world champion

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong also shared a similar delight.

The lifelong martial artist shared a clip with a short message on Instagram to the legion of Chinese martial arts fans.

“What a crazy celebration in China for newly crowned ONE Featherweight World Champion Tang Kai! Thousands of fans showed up to celebrate this historic moment. Thank you again to our amazing Chinese fans for making ONE the #1 trending topic in China during his world title fight! I am blown away by the love and support from the beautiful country of 1.4 billion people!”

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