From MMA Knockout On SI · · 1m 50s
Akbar Abdullaev's 19-second knockout stuns Dana White
An undefeated lightweight prospect ends his UFC audition in less than 20 seconds with a devastating overhand right.
In brief
An undefeated lightweight prospect ends his UFC audition in less than 20 seconds with a devastating overhand right. Akbar Abdullaev's brutally fast knockout at Dana White's Contender Series Week 6 earned him a UFC contract and proved why he's considered one of the best fighters outside the promotion. Originally…
Contender Series hits week six
Dana White's Contender Series is in its tenth season since 2017. Week 6 featured four undefeated prospects competing for UFC contracts.
Twenty contracts handed out already
Through the first five weeks of this season, Dana White has already awarded more than 20 UFC contracts to winning fighters.
Early winners already debuting in UFC
Week 1 contract winners Bilal Hasan and Anthony Wint have already made their UFC debuts, both scoring stoppages and staying undefeated.
Williams and Hernandez stay perfect
Tyshawn Williams improved to 9-0 with a unanimous decision over Antônio Monteiro. Luis Hernandez moved to 8-0 by submitting Hugo Guillon.
Abdullaev enters as heavy favorite
Akbar Abdullaev came in with a perfect 13-0 record. He was originally scheduled to face Anthony Figueroa before Santos replaced him.
Nineteen seconds to UFC glory
Just 19 seconds into the fight, Abdullaev landed a thunderous overhand right that knocked Santos stiff and sent him face-first to the canvas.
“Just 19 seconds into the fight, Abdullaev ducked into a thunderous overhand right that knocked Santos stiff”
Fastest win of his career
The 19-second knockout was the fastest of Abdullaev's career, though his record includes three other victories that all came in under a minute.
Dominated ONE Championship
The 28-year-old went 5-0 in ONE Championship starting in 2023, maintaining a 100% finishing rate against undefeated fighters and current titleholder Kai Tang.
Should have been signed outright
Many fans believed Abdullaev deserved a direct UFC contract instead of having to compete on Contender Series, given his elite credentials.
In short
Akbar Abdullaev's brutally fast knockout at Dana White's Contender Series Week 6 earned him a UFC contract and proved why he's considered one of the best fighters outside the promotion.
