Abdullaev Stops Pereira's Training Partner In 19 Seconds

Akbar Abdullaev needed 19 seconds to punch his ticket to the UFC.

The undefeated Kyrgyzstani lightweight slept Ednilson Santos with a single overhand right on Tuesday's Dana White's Contender Series card at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, per MMA Mania. Abdullaev opened the bout with two hard body shots that dropped Santos' guard, then uncorked an overhand that sent Alex Pereira's training partner face-first into the canvas. No follow-up shots were required.

Former ONE Champion Stays Perfect With 14th Finish

Abdullaev improved to 14-0 with his 13th knockout, having never seen a judges' scorecard in his professional career. The 28-year-old went 5-0 in ONE Championship, stopping all five opponents by knockout including a fifth-round finish of former ONE featherweight champion Tang Kai. Abdullaev missed weight for that bout and was ineligible to claim the belt.

He last fought in September 2025, stopping previously unbeaten Russian prospect Ibragim Dauev in the fifth round. Abdullaev entered Tuesday as arguably the best fighter on Contender Series Season 10 and somehow exceeded expectations. Assuming UFC CEO Dana White awards him a contract, he becomes one of the most dangerous new additions to the 155-pound roster.

Santos fell to 14-8-1 after taking the fight on less than one week's notice. The 34-year-old Brazilian trains with Pereira but never had a chance to show his skills against a destroyer like Abdullaev. The short-notice step-up could earn him another Contender Series opportunity next season.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Highlights: Contender Series super prospect Akbar Abdullaev face plants Alex Pereira’s training partner in 19 seconds