- George Chung
- Jan 9
- 2 min read
Akbar Abdullaev has stormed through ONE Championship’s featherweight division like a force of nature, leaving nothing but stunned opponents in his wake. Now, with his perfect record intact, the Kyrgyz phenom is set to challenge reigning ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai for the coveted title at ONE Fight Night 27.
Mark your calendars for Friday, January 10. Abdullaev is not just stepping into the ring at Lumpinee Stadium to win 26 pounds of gold—he’s stepping in to cement his legacy.
The Promise of Destruction
Known for his blistering aggression and finishing ability, Abdullaev has earned a reputation for quick and brutal knockouts. His three consecutive KO/TKO wins in ONE have showcased a relentless style that leaves little room for his opponents to breathe. And he has no plans of slowing down.
“My fight style is total annihilation, quick finishes, and aggression,” Abdullaev confidently told ONE.
Facing a seasoned champion like Tang Kai might rattle some challengers, but not “Bakal.” While Abdullaev admits he hasn’t meticulously studied Tang’s past fights, he remains unfazed and ready to exploit any perceived weaknesses.
“I think Tang Kai is a cool-headed and experienced fighter, but I don’t see anything surprising. He prefers to strike, wait, and stay on the move,” Abdullaev observed. “His strength is in counter-attacking, but if there’s a weakness, I believe it’s his wrestling. My goal will be to attack him in transition.”
Lightning-Fast Finishes
Abdullaev’s explosive debut in ONE saw him dispatch his first two opponents in under a minute. In his most recent outing against Halil Amir at ONE Fight Night 22, he extended the bout into the second round before delivering a knockout finish. Despite going beyond the first round, the Kyrgyz standout proved his finishing prowess remains top-tier.
Looking ahead to ONE Fight Night 27, Abdullaev has one goal: another emphatic finish.
“This time I will again try to avoid the judges’ decision and win early. I think judges are not necessary in my fights, and I will try to finish sooner than expected,” he declared.
Fighting for a Greater Cause
While many fighters pursue gold for personal glory, Abdullaev’s motivation runs deeper. For him, each fight represents a chance to honor his family, his loved ones, and his country.
“My main motivation is my family, my loved ones, and my people. I fight for them and want to be a valuable member of my society,” he shared.
On fight night, Abdullaev will proudly carry the Kyrgyzstan flag into the ring, determined to inspire future generations and bring the championship belt home.
“This is the goal of my life – to represent my motherland and my people to the whole world, so that the whole world knows there are such strong fighters as the Kyrgyz. This is an honor for me,” Abdullaev said with pride.
Don’t Miss ONE Fight Night 27
ONE Fight Night 27 promises to deliver high-octane action and unforgettable moments. The event airs live and free on Prime Video for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST on Friday, January 10.
Will Abdullaev fulfil his dream of becoming a world champion? Tune in to witness this rising star's journey as he aims for greatness.
