"Do what I always do" - Akbar Abdullaev says dominating featherweight MMA champ Tang Kai was just another day in the office

Fifth-ranked ONE featherweight MMA competitor Akbar Abdullaev had the performance of a lifetime at ONE Fight Night 27 last Friday, Jan. 10, where he battered division kingpin Tang Kai to earn a TKO finish in the fifth round.

Fans inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and around the world were surprised by how easily the Kyrgyz striker manhandled Tang throughout their non-title catchweight (156.75 pounds) fight, but Abdullaev felt nonchalant about his outing.

In an interview with the promotion after ONE Fight Night 27, Abdullaev shared:

"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."

Abdullaev's main event matchup with Tang was supposed to be for the latter's 26 pounds of featherweight MMA gold.

Unfortunately, 'Bakal' failed to pass a hydrated urine sample during the pre-fight testing and weighed 156.75 pounds — 1.75 pounds over the featherweight weight limit.

He was ultimately deemed ineligible to win the crown, and their bout was changed to a non-title catchweight showdown.

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Akbar Abdullaev prepared to fight for featherweight MMA gold again whenever it happens

Akbar Abdullaev still believes he is destined to become a ONE world champion, and his thorough beatdown of featherweight MMA king Tang Kai could net him another opportunity at the crown.

Speaking with ONE ahead of ONE Fight Night 27, the undefeated Al Munar Team and Tiger Muay Thai product said:

"Even upon signing my first contract in the beginning I was ready to fight for the title. It doesn't matter whether it's now or then. I'm always ready."

Fans in the United States and Canada with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch ONE Fight Night 27 on demand.