ONE featherweight MMA world champion Tang Kai has produced several show-stopping displays inside the ONE Circle over the past six years, and another one could be in the offing when he hops back into action in the main event of ONE Fight Night 27 in Bangkok, Thailand.
That evening inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Jan. 10, the Chinese warrior puts his prized possession on the line against No.5-ranked Akbar Abudllaev in a clash that has a finish written all over it.
Both superstars combined make up for 25 knockout victories. Tang Kai edges the unbeaten Kyrgyzstan fighter with 15 KOs, and his world-class striking tools have looked more destructive with each passing fight on the global stage.
Always one to press forward, the first-ever male Chinese MMA world champion never misses the mark with his hands, elbows, feet — or anything else he can throw in the mix to take home an early win.
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Ahead of fight night next week, let's rank all of highlight-reel moments inside the Circle, which is a perfect testament to what fans can expect from him at ONE Fight Night 27. As always, North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video can tune in for free.
#1 Tang Kai's fists from hell puts Thanh Le down and out
Tang Kai barely missed the mark at ONE 166: Qatar despite being away from competition due to an injury for an extended period.
Though his ONE featherweight kickboxing world title unification contest against interim king Thanh Le started slow, the Chinese megastar hit into gear late on his way to another majestic highlight-reel moment inside the Lusail Sports Arena.
Tang uncorked a missile-like right hook that sent his American-Vietnamese nemesis down. From there, he followed up with a bucketload of shots that forced referee Olivier Coste to halt the action at 4:48 of round three.
#2 Tang Kai lightning-quick combo starches Kim Jae Woong
Tang Kai bagged his second-fastest victory on the global stage when he dispatched fellow knockout specialist Kim Jae Woong at ONE X in March 2022.
The Chinese star fired on all cylinders from the get-go, using his high-octane approach that gave Kim no room to breathe.
And just as the South Korean decided to get things going, Tang stung his foe with a right hand, a cross-hook combo, and a pair of quickfire hammerfists to end proceedings in 127 seconds.
#3 Tang Kai's epic head kick KO separates Sung Jong Lee from his senses
Tang Kai opened his promotional account via his lethal knockout power at the expense of Sung Jong Lee at ONE: Hero's Ascent in January 2019.
The Chinese hero's surgical striking allowed him to control the flow of the contest. Still, Sung decided to wade into enemy territory without showing any fear.
Unfortunately, that only left the South Korean in a world of danger.
Tang stayed calm and baited his dance partner with jabs before wrapping a lightning-quick left high kick on his skull — with zero setup — to get his promotional tenure off to a dream start.
#4 Tang Kai vs Ryogo Takahashi
Tang had to earn this highlight-reel moment against Ryogo Takahashi the hard way, but his persistence eventually paid off just slightly under the two-minute mark in their ONE: Fists of Fury tie in March 2021.
The Japanese slugger kept the action tight behind his usual haymakers, and he tested the Chinese star's chin during an action-packed opening 60 seconds.
However, Tang flipped the script with a one-two combo that was right on the money. And just as Takahashi hit the ground, the knockout specialist followed up with a flurry of hooks that led the referee to wave off the contest.
#5 Tang Kai's dynamite left flattens Yoon Chang Min
Tang Kai's striking arsenal was simply too sharp and accurate when he took to the Circle alongside Yoon Chang Min at ONE: Next Gen II in November 2021.
The Sunkin International Fight Club kept his South Korean foe at bay behind trademark combinations while staying light on the feet.
His movement and striking dexterity soon opened the doors to a thudding left hook that clipped 'The Big Heart' smack on the chin.
Sensing a finish, the 28-year-old followed his opponent to the canvas, where he unloaded with a vicious series of ground-and-pound strikes to wrap up the contest inside the very first round.