The ONE Championship lightweight title fight between Tang Kai (19-4, 8-1 ONE) and Shamil Gasanov (16-1, 6-1 ONE) has been rescheduled to May 15 at ONE Fight Night 43. The bout was originally scheduled for a different date but has been moved for undisclosed reasons. Tang Kai and Gasanov both have strong records in ONE Championship, with Gasanov holding just one career loss. This championship fight represents a significant opportunity for both fighters to claim or defend the lightweight belt. No explanation for the schedule change was provided in the announcement.
ONE Championship has reshuffled its lightweight title schedule, confirming that Tang Kai and Shamil Gasanov will now meet for the lightweight belt on May 15 at ONE Fight Night 43. The bout had previously been set for an earlier date, though the promotion did not disclose a reason for the change.
Tang Kai enters the contest carrying an overall professional record of 19-4, with an 8-1 mark inside ONE Championship. The Chinese featherweight-turned-lightweight contender has built one of the more impressive resumes in the promotion, and this championship appearance represents the peak of that climb.
Shamil Gasanov brings an even more polished ledger to the cage, sitting at 16-1 overall and 6-1 in ONE Championship. The single blemish on his record makes him one of the most dangerous challengers in the lightweight division, and his consistency inside the promotion has earned him this title shot.
Why it matters
- The ONE lightweight title is at stake, giving the winner one of Asian MMA's most prestigious belts
- Tang Kai's 8-1 ONE record versus Gasanov's 6-1 mark sets up a clash between two of the division's most proven competitors
- The rescheduling to May 15 keeps the fight on a high-profile Fight Night card, maintaining its top-billing status
- With Gasanov holding just one career loss, a victory would cement him among the sport's elite lightweights
No official explanation accompanied the schedule announcement, leaving the reason for the date shift unaddressed. Both fighters now have their target locked in on the May 15 card.
