Kyrgyz Prospect Stuns Dana White, Earns UFC Contract With 19-Second Knockout

Undefeated Kyrgyzstan prospect Akbar Abdullaev delivered one of the standout performances of Week 6 of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10. The 28-year-old lightweight needed just 19 seconds to knock out Brazil’s Ednilson Santos and secure a UFC contract. Abdullaev wasted little time looking for the finish. After a brief feeling-out process, the Kyrgyz fighter landed a crushing right hand that immediately put Santos away. With the victory, Abdullaev improved his professional record to 14-0, with all 14 wins coming inside the distance. The performance drew high praise from UFC CEO Dana White, who was particularly impressed by the power behind the finishing shot. White suggested Abdullaev could be “the greatest talent” to emerge during the 10-year history of the Contender Series and expressed confidence that the lightweight newcomer could make a major impact in the UFC. Abdullaev was one of four fighters to earn UFC contracts following Week 6. Mayton Perea, Igor Cavalcanti and Luis Hernandez also secured deals with the promotion. Tyshon Williams also picked up a victory but was not awarded an immediate contract. Instead, White offered him another opportunity to compete on the Contender Series later this season. Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10, Week 6 results: Mayton Perea def. Zevan Hunt via KO — Round 1, 0:45. Igor Cavalcanti def. Oscar Ravello via TKO — Round 1, 1:38. Akbar Abdullaev def. Ednilson Santos via KO — Round 1, 0:19. Luis Hernandez def. Hugo Guillon via rear-naked choke — Round 2, 1:01. Tyshon Williams def. Antonio Monteiro via unanimous decision — 29-28, 29-27, 29-27. Photo: Dana White’s Contender Series social media