Akbar Abdullaev plans to take a short break before potential world title shot: “Come back and take the gold”

Fifth-ranked ONE Championship featherweight MMA contender 'Bakal' Akbar Abdullaev of Kyrgyzstan wants to spend some quality time with family, reset, and come back strong in a potential rematch against divisional titleholder Tang Kai.

Abdullaev defeated Tang via fifth-round technical knockout last weekend in the main event of ONE Fight Night 27: Tang vs. Abdullaev on Prime Video. However, he was ineligible to win the coveted belt after failing to pass weight and hydration the day prior.

Nevertheless, Abdullaev fully expects to face Tang again sometime later this year.

Speaking to veteran MMA reporter Nick Atkin of Bangkok Post, Abdullaev made a bold claim. The 27-year-old Tiger Muay Thai product said:

"I’m gonna take a little break to recover, to get myself back together, and then I’m going to come back and take the gold."

ONE Fight Night 27: Tang vs. Abdullaev on Prime Video was broadcast live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand last Saturday, Jan. 11. Fans in the United States and Canada can catch a replay of all the action on-demand via Amazon Prime Video.

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Akbar Abdullaev says win over Tang Kai was just another day at the office: "There wasn't really a game plan"

Undefeated Kyrgyzstani fighter Akbar Abdullaev turned in the best performance of his young career when he finished China's Tang Kai last weekend at ONE Fight Night 27: Tang vs. Abdullaev on Prime Video.

According to the 27-year-old, it was all business and just another day at the office.

He told ONE Championship:

"There wasn't really a game plan going into this. I was just going to do what I always do, fight in my manner, put pressure, dominate the fight, and take control."

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Akbar Abdullaev's next fight.