Akbar Abdullaev lands UFC deal with vicious 19-second knockout

Akbar
Abdullaev always knew he was meant to be in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Abdullaev (14-0) took on Ednilson
Barros Santos (14-8-1) in a lightweight matchup on
Week 6 of
Dana White’s Contender Series 2026. He knocked Santos out with
a vicious right hand in just 19 seconds to earn a UFC contract.

Akbar Abdullaev wants a quick UFC debut after stopping Ednilson
Barros Santos

The undefeated prospect with a 100% finishing rate became the first
Kyrgyz fighter to earn a UFC contract on DWCS. UFC CEO Dana
White later hailed Abdullaev as possibly the greatest prospect
in DWCS history.

Abdullaev says he was ready for everything going into his DWCS
opportunity. He had always dreamed of a UFC career, irrespective of
whether he earned a direct contract or went through the Contender
Series. Eager to start his UFC career, the 28-year-old wants to
make his debut within a couple of months.

“This was my place; I was ready for everything,” Abdullaev said in
a post-fight interview. “I happen to be a part of the UFC. It
wasn’t important to me how to get here, through the Contender
Series, just a straight contract or any other way. I dreamed of
being here and I am here… I’m hungry; give me fights, I’m ready to
fight in October or November.”