White Hails 'Greatest Talent' In DWCS History After 19-Second KO

Dana White believes he just witnessed the best prospect in the 10-year history of the Contender Series after Akbar Abdullaev demolished his opponent in 19 seconds Tuesday night.

Abdullaev, an undefeated lightweight from Kyrgyzstan, knocked out Ednilson Barros Santos while the Brazilian was still standing at DWCS Week 6, per Sherdog. The finish brought the season total to 28 contracts awarded, the most ever at this stage of a DWCS campaign.

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White's Praise For Abdullaev Sets New Standard

"I don't even know what to say to you," White told Abdullaev after the finish, according to the report. "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." White added that he expects the 14-0 finisher to become "a huge superstar and a very big threat in this sport."

Three other fighters earned contracts Tuesday. Luis Hernandez survived a second-round knockdown and submission attempt before submitting Hugo Guillon. Igor Cavalcanti needed 98 seconds to ground-and-pound Oscar Ravello. Mayton Perea stopped previously undefeated Zevan Hunt in 45 seconds in the main event.

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Tyshawn Williams won a unanimous decision over Antonio Monteiro but did not receive a contract. White invited the unbeaten featherweight back for another DWCS appearance instead. Abdullaev now awaits his UFC debut assignment with a perfect finishing rate intact.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Dana White hails 'greatest talent' in DWCS history after 19-second KO