Abdullaev floors Santos in 19 seconds to seal UFC deal and make DWCS history

Akbar Abdullaev needed just 19 seconds to change his life. The undefeated Kyrgyz lightweight dropped Ednilson Barros Santos with a single right hand on Week 6 of Dana White’s Contender Series 2026, earning a UFC contract and a place in the show’s record books.

Abdullaev, now 14-0 with a 100 per cent finishing rate, became the first fighter from Kyrgyzstan to land a UFC deal through DWCS. UFC CEO Dana White went further, declaring the 28-year-old possibly the greatest prospect in the Contender Series’ history — a remarkable endorsement for a fighter who dispatched Santos (14-8-1) before most viewers had settled into their seats.

The performance was emphatic, but Abdullaev insists the result was never in doubt. Speaking in a post-fight interview, he said the UFC had always been his destination regardless of the route.

“This was my place; I was ready for everything,” Abdullaev said. “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… I’m hungry; give me fights, I’m ready to fight in October or November.”

That eagerness to compete quickly will likely appeal to UFC matchmakers. With a clean slate, a devastating one-punch finish, and White’s personal endorsement ringing in his ears, Abdullaev enters the lightweight division as one of its most anticipated newcomers in recent memory. Whether he gets his wish of an October or November debut remains to be seen, but the queue of opponents willing to face him may be shorter than he hopes.