Akbar Abdullaev says he's the uncrowned king of featherweight division after TKO of Tang Kai at ONE Fight Night 27

No. 5-rated ONE featherweight MMA contender Akbar Abdullaev maintained his immaculate record at ONE Fight Night 27 when he defeated reigning divisional king Tang Kai in the main event inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, last Jan. 10.

Abdullaev scored a fifth-round TKO finish on Tang in their MMA scrap. This bout was supposed to be for the ONE featherweight MMA crown, however, the Kyrgyzstan MMA star failed to make weight.

Following his incredible performance, Abdullaev was interviewed by the Bangkok Post. He was asked about his thoughts on not being able to hoist the 26-pound golden belt.

According to the 27-year-old athlete, he trusts the plans of the higher power but reiterated the idea that he's the uncrowned champion of the weight class by saying:

"It is unfortunate, but like I said before, it's all up to the higher power. So whatever's meant to be is going to be, and I'd just like to say that the champion has a name - and his name is Akbar."

Check out Akbar Abdullaev's full interview below:

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Akbar Abdullaev gives his valuable lesson about improving skills and going for goals

During his in-ring interview with Mitch Chilson, the Al Munar Team and Tiger Muay Thai representative offered a valuable lesson to other athletes on doubling down on improving their skills and reaching their goals.

Akbar Abdullaev also looked at the brighter side of things despite not being able to secure the world title, as he stated:

"Even though today, we didn't take home the belt, that's not the point. We still did our best and we improved our capabilities, our worth. So never give up. Set your goals, and go for them."

North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch all the action at ONE Fight Night 27 via the free event replay.