Shamil Gasanov is coming for Tang Kai's throne, and he is leaving no doubt about how he plans to take it.
The Russian submission artist challenges for the ONE Featherweight MMA World Championship in the main event of ONE Fight Night 43 on May 16, live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Gasanov, 30, arrives as one of the hottest fighters on the ONE roster. The Dagestan-born grappler, who honed his craft in wrestling before developing into a fearsome submission artist, carries an 18-1 career record and a 6-1 ONE record into the biggest fight of his life.
He has won five consecutive fights heading into the title shot. For a man who has climbed steadily through the featherweight ranks, this moment has been a long time coming.
Tang is a dangerous striker with championship pedigree, but Gasanov believes he has already identified the cracks in the champion's armor.
"Tang Kai is a serious striker, but he has some disadvantages that we will use in battle. I will try to knock him down," Gasanov said.
The Russian is not planning to leave the outcome in the judges' hands. His approach is built on relentless pressure and the kind of submission hunting that has defined his career, and he intends to make every round a punishing experience for the champion.
"I will try to apply any painful hold if I have the opportunity in a fight. I will try to break him in every round," Gasanov revealed his game plan.
The confidence extends well beyond fight night itself. Gasanov has already begun thinking about what comes after the belt is around his waist, and he is under no illusions about the weight of the occasion.
"I don't feel any pressure. For me it's just a fight. First I want to take this belt, and then the challenges will be made in the cage. I have several names I would like to meet in the [ring]! I am going to finish this fight by technical knockout!," he said.
Leave a comment
Please login to leave a comment.