Nicknamed the "uncrowned champion" of ONE by some fans, Akbar Abdullaev showed Tuesday he was likely overqualified for Dana White's Contender Series.
In a mere 19 seconds, Abdullaev (14-0) smoked short-notice replacement opponent Ednilson Santos with a one-punc knockout at Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
The knockout sent UFC CEO Dana White back in his chair, emotionless until he broke in smile and signaled to the victorious Kyrgyzstani fighter.
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
Abdullaev split from ONE in the spring. Two fights prior, he defeated champion Tang Kai by fifth-round TKO stoppage but failed the hydration test, making him title-ineligible.
Abdullaev has a 100 percent finishing rate through 14 professional fights with 13 knockouts and one submission.
Up-to-the-minute DWCS 92 results include:
- Luis Hernandez def. Hugo Guillon via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:01
- Tyshawn Williams def. Antonio Monteiro via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: DWCS video: Former ONE star Akbar Abdullaev smokes Ednilson Santos in 19 seconds
