ONE Fight Night 27: Tang Kai Eyeing Finish Of Undefeated Opponent Akbar Abdullaev

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ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai is set for his first title defense of 2025. He faces #5-ranked undefeated Kyrgyzstani fighter Akbar Abdullaev in the headliner of ONE Fight Night 27 on 11 January.

Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, will host the epic battle between the two heavy hitters and ferocious knockout artists. In fact, when they take center stage, their sole aim will be to knock each other out.

China's first-ever male MMA World Champion in Tang is unfazed by his foe's unblemished record and plans to defend his title with a knockout. He does, however, acknowledge that both have different approaches when it comes to fighting.

"It is a good record, but just look at all his opponents - none of them impressed me. I think (his perfect record) is only because he is very brave and he always pushes forward. I want to finish this fight by KO, but I'm also prepared for a five-round contest," Tang said.

"His strength is the way he pushes forward. Compared with me, I think my strength is my sticking and moving. I think we both are good strikers and we each have knockout power, but the key is who can find their timing first."

Tang boasts an exceptional record of 8-0 in ONE since his promotional debut in 2019. His concussive KO power and fight IQ made him a historic champion. And he has finished five on his opponents with the brutal force of his hands.

Whenever a fighter enters the arena, the pressure is always there - some rise to the occasion while others crumble under the weight. For Tang, that only serves as motivation, and he believes there will be even more pressure on his opponent.

"Of course, I have pressure in each fight, but the pressure is also my motivation," Tang said. "I think he has more pressure because he has the 11-fight winning streak and hasn't lost. And he is the challenger, so I think he has more pressure."