Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, was electric this past Friday, May 15, as ONE Fight Night 43: Tang vs. Gasanov delivered a night of unforgettable action in both MMA and submission grappling. From a lightning-fast knockout to a Brazilian contender dethroning a former world champion, here's how the warriors performed under the bright lights.
The night kicked off with a bang as a Filipino fan favorite needed just 34 seconds to put his opponent away, sending the crowd into a frenzy early on. But the main storylines ran deep, with every bout adding to the drama.
In the submission grappling spotlight, ONE Flyweight World Champion Diogo "Baby Shark" Reis proved why he's considered one of the planet's most dominant grapplers. Moving up to bantamweight for this showdown against Yuki Takahashi, the 24-year-old Brazilian wasted no time, shooting for a takedown the moment the match began. He immediately hunted for a rear-naked choke, showcasing the relentless pressure that has made him a fan favorite.
Takahashi, the 27-year-old Japanese sensation, showed incredible resilience, spinning into full guard to reset and even attempting a flying armbar to swing momentum. But Reis was a step ahead every time, reclaiming back control and sinking in a rear-naked choke before transitioning to a face crank. Though Takahashi slipped free, Reis climbed straight back onto his neck, locking up an armbar in the final scramble. The Japanese grappler managed to escape in the waning seconds, but the decision was never in doubt.
Reis moved his record to an astonishing 95-12, proving his stranglehold on the sport extends far beyond flyweight. It was a masterclass in positional control and a reminder that "Baby Shark" is a force of nature in any weight class.
Meanwhile, Fabio "The Giant" Henrique bounced back from his promotional debut loss in emphatic fashion, stopping former ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion with a performance that had the Lumpinee faithful on their feet. The Brazilian contender showed he's a serious threat in the division, using his size and power to overwhelm his opponent from the opening bell.
From submission grappling clinics to highlight-reel knockouts, ONE Fight Night 43 delivered everything fight fans could ask for. Whether you're training for your next match or just love the thrill of combat sports, this event was a reminder that greatness comes in many forms—and sometimes, it only takes 34 seconds to make a statement.