Undefeated Kyrgyz fighter Akbar Abdullaev earned a UFC contract after winning his bout on Dana White’s Contender Series in Las Vegas. The 28-year-old knocked out Brazilian Ednilson Santos just 19 seconds into the first round.
The lightweight bout took place during Week 6 of the tenth season of the Contender Series. Early in the fight, Abdullaev attacked his opponent’s body several times before landing a right hand to the head. Santos fell to the canvas, prompting the referee to stop the fight.
ONE PUNCH IS ALL HE NEEDED 🤯🤯🤯
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 16, 2026
Akbar Abdullaev UNCORKS a right hand for the clean KO!
[ #DWCS | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/yPQWtZIFi4
After the event, UFC President Dana White announced that Abdullaev would receive a contract with the organization, along with Mayton Perea, Igor Cavalcanti and Luis Hernandez.
White praised Abdullaev’s performance, calling him one of the most promising competitors in Contender Series history.
«Akbar, I mean I don’t even know what to say to you. That punch sounded like a baseball bat. I’m gonna go out on a limb here and I’m gonna call you possibly the greatest talent that’s ever been on the show in 10 years. I think that you’re going to be a huge superstar and a very big threat in this sport. I can’t wait to see you fight again. Welcome to the UFC,» White said.
“ The GREATEST TALENT THATS EVER BEEN ON THIS SHOW IN 10 YEARS “
— SU 🥋 (@Nolimitsu_) September 16, 2026
AKBAR ABDULLAEV ⚡️🇰🇬 pic.twitter.com/rbZDDnacZc
The victory over Santos was Abdullaev’s 14th in 14 professional fights. He has finished all of his fights by stoppage, including 13 knockouts and one submission.
Before appearing on the Contender Series, Abdullaev had five fights in ONE Championship, winning all five by stoppage. Notably, he defeated former ONE Championship titleholder Tang Kai by technical knockout.
