(May 22, 2023, Shanghai) – The featherweight world title defense scheduled for "ONE: Pinnacle Series 12" on July 15, 2023 had to be cancelled due to an injury sustained by China's first men's mixed martial arts world champion Tang Kai in pre-tournament preparations.
At ONE160 last August, Tang Kai became China's first men's mixed martial arts world champion by defeating then-featherweight world champion Thanh Le in five rounds with sharp leg sweeps and heavy punches, adding a significant touch to the history of mixed martial arts in China. After that, fans have been looking forward to seeing Tang Kai's title defense. Former world champion Danle is desperate for revenge after losing the belt: "I can do better, I'll take the belt back." "Tang Kai did not refuse, accepted the challenge of Danle, and said that he would use a knockout to defend his gold belt." When I was challenging for the championship, I felt a lot of pressure and the last game was not my real level. But this time is different, I have already won the championship, so I will let go and play. My goal this time is to knock out Thanh and I'm ready to finish the fight in three rounds! ”
In order to play this game well, Tang Kai and Danle put in preparation training early, hoping to enter the field in the best condition. But unexpectedly, Tang Kai suffered a knee injury during high-intensity preparation. "When I was training against the confrontation, I accidentally injured my knee, and I went back to China to shoot a film, and this game will definitely not be played. Then I'll take a break, then do rehabilitative training and try to get back to the ring as soon as possible. ”
After Danle learned that Tang Kai was injured, he sent a message wishing Tang Kai a speedy recovery and fighting again at a later date. As the only men's World Champion from China in ONE Championship, Tang Kai is also looking forward to returning to the ring as soon as possible to bring exciting matches to Chinese fans. "It's a shame that this game can't be played, and I'm sorry. I went abroad to practice for so long, and I couldn't get the competition. Injuries in training, sometimes can't help. But I don't think my injury should be a big problem, I'll definitely get better soon, and hopefully reschedule my match with Danle at that time! ”
Although Tang Kai withdrew from the battle card, there are still two Chinese fighters in "ONE: Pinnacle Series 12". Flyweight mixed martial arts ranked fifth, "The Hunter" Xie Wei will face Japan's Yuya "Little Piranha" Wakamatsu. "The Prince of Fighting" Banma will face Brazilian Muay Thai master Walter Goncalves in a flyweight mixed martial arts bout.