Akbar Abdullaev Scores 19-Second KO on DWCS to Secure UFC Contract
Undefeated lightweight Akbar Abdullaev earned a UFC contract with a devastating 19-second knockout on Dana White's Contender Series.
· VILLAND PICK editorial
Akbar Abdullaev made a thunderous statement on Week 6 of Dana White’s Contender Series 2026, stopping Ednilson Barros Santos in just 19 seconds. The lightweight matchup came to a sudden halt when Abdullaev uncorked a vicious right hand, knocking Santos out cleanly to seal an immediate UFC contract.
With the victory, the 28-year-old extended his undefeated record to 14-0, maintaining a flawless 100% finishing rate. According to Sherdog, Abdullaev also made history by becoming the first Kyrgyz fighter to earn a UFC contract through the Contender Series. The dominant performance drew immense praise from UFC CEO Dana White, who later described Abdullaev as possibly the greatest prospect in the history of DWCS.
Following the win, Abdullaev expressed that he had always envisioned himself inside the Octagon regardless of the path taken. "This was my place; I was ready for everything," Abdullaev said in his post-fight interview. "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."
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