Akbar Abdullaev Scores 19-Second KO to Earn UFC Contract

Akbar Abdullaev Scores 19-Second KO to Earn UFC Contract

Akbar Abdullaev made a stunning impression on Dana White’s Contender Series, stopping Santos with a devastating 19-second knockout to secure a UFC contract.

The undefeated Kyrgyz lightweight delivered the explosive finish at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas on September 15, improving his professional record to 14-0. Abdullaev maintained his perfect finishing record with a single clean shot that immediately flattened his opponent.

The victory was enough to earn Abdullaev a contract on the spot, with UFC CEO Dana White praising the 155-pound prospect after his spectacular performance.

White described Abdullaev as potentially the greatest talent to appear on the show in its 10-year history, highlighting the level of excitement surrounding the undefeated fighter.

Now with a UFC contract secured, Abdullaev is set to enter one of the promotion’s deepest divisions. The Kyrgyz fighter will be looking to make a quick UFC debut and test himself against some of the top competition in the lightweight division.

His 19-second knockout has immediately placed him among the new names to watch, while his unbeaten record and perfect finishing record suggest he could become an exciting addition to the UFC’s 155-pound ranks.

For Abdullaev, the Contender Series victory represents a major step toward establishing himself on the UFC stage.