ONE 166: Qatar Set for Tang Kai vs. Thanh Le Featherweight Title Unification

13 January 2024

The stage is set for a blockbuster showdown as the highly anticipated ONE Featherweight MMA World Title unification bout between Tang Kai and Thanh Le is officially confirmed for ONE 166: Qatar. Scheduled to take place at the Lusail Sports Arena on Friday, March 1, this rematch promises to be a clash of titans between the reigning divisional king Tang and interim titleholder Le.

The history between Tang and Le dates back to their epic clash in August 2022, where Tang emerged victorious after a grueling five-round war. This battle not only secured the belt for Tang but also marked a historic moment as he became China’s first-ever male MMA World Champion. However, since that triumph, the 27-year-old has been sidelined due to injury, allowing the talent-laden featherweight division to evolve in his absence.

In October, Le seized the opportunity in a spectacular Interim World Title clash, securing a stunning first-round heel hook victory over the dangerous Russian phenom Ilya Freymanov at ONE Fight Night 15. Now, with both Tang and Le holding 26 pounds of gold, they are prepared to settle the score in a highly anticipated rematch that has fans buzzing with excitement.

While their first encounter showcased their endurance over 25 action-packed minutes, both Tang and Le are renowned for their finishing abilities, making this rematch a must-watch. Le boasts a remarkable 100 percent finishing rate in his 17 career victories, including a memorable knockout of Martin Nguyen to capture the undisputed featherweight MMA crown in 2020. On the other hand, Tang is recognized as one of MMA’s most feared and electrifying strikers, amassing 13 highlight-reel knockouts in his 17 professional wins.

With such elite finishers in the featherweight division, fans can expect a riveting World Title rematch that promises fireworks from start to finish. The Tang vs. Le bout adds to an already stacked ONE 166 card in Qatar, featuring a ONE Middleweight MMA World Title showdown between Reinier de Ridder and Anatoly Malykhin, as well as a ONE Strawweight MMA World Title battle between Jarred Brooks and Joshua Pacio. MMA enthusiasts are in for a night of thrilling action on March 1.