Abdullaev Lands UFC Deal With 19-Second KO

Akbar Abdullaev flattened Ednilson Barros Santos with a single right hand 19 seconds into their lightweight bout on Dana White's Contender Series, punching his ticket to the UFC roster. The undefeated Kyrgyzstani prospect dropped Santos cold in Week 6 of the 2026 series, per Sherdog, and walked away with both a contract and a place in the promotion's history books.

Abdullaev became the first fighter from Kyrgyzstan to earn a UFC deal through the Contender Series. UFC CEO Dana White later praised the 28-year-old as possibly the greatest prospect in the show's history, according to the report. Abdullaev entered the bout with a perfect 14-0 record and a 100-percent finishing rate, and the knockout over Santos kept both streaks alive.

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Abdullaev Wants October or November Debut

The lightweight told reporters afterward that he had long envisioned himself fighting in the UFC and was indifferent to the path that got him there. "This was my place; I was ready for everything," Abdullaev said in a post-fight interview. "I happen to be a part of the UFC. 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."

Abdullaev made clear he does not intend to wait long for his promotional debut. "I'm hungry; give me fights, I'm ready to fight in October or November," he told the broadcast. Santos fell to 14-8-1 with the loss.

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No opponent or date has been announced for Abdullaev's first official UFC appearance.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Akbar Abdullaev lands UFC deal with vicious 19-second knockout