Dana White Calls Akbar Abdullaev Best Talent In Contender Series History

Akbar Abdullaev earned huge praise from Dana White after knocking out Ednilson Barros Santos in just 19 seconds during Week 6 of Contender Series Season 10, securing himself a UFC contract in the process.

"I don't even know what to say to you. That punch sounded like a baseball bat. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and I'm gonna call you possibly the greatest talent that has been on this show in 10 years. I think that you're going to be a huge superstar and a very big threat in this sport. I can't wait to see you fight again. Welcome to the UFC," White

Abdullaev has finished all 14 of his professional opponents — 13 by knockout, one by submission — and previously went 5-0 in ONE Championship before landing on the Contender Series. Three other fighters, Mayton Perea, Igor Cavalcanti and Luis Hernandez, also earned contracts on the September 15 card.