"I have the capabilities" - Akbar Abdullaev believes he has the tools to beat Tang Kai again in inevitable rematch

Kyrgyz striker Akbar Abdullaev sent a vicious message to ONE featherweight MMA world champion Tang Kai at ONE Fight Night 27 last Friday, Jan. 10, by dominating him in their non-title catchweight (156.75 pounds) MMA bout.

Abdullaev had little trouble breaking through Tang's defense throughout their five-round battle thanks to his superb striking. The Chinese megastar found himself in dire straits early in the final round as Abdullaev battered him from top position, forcing referee Herb Dean to call off the fight at the 1:21 mark.

Speaking to the promotion after his shocking TKO win, the fifth-ranked ONE featherweight MMA competitor believes he can repeat the feat when Tang puts the crown on the line in their rematch. Abdullaev said:

"I think people have always and will always be putting their bets on me. I don't want to look too far into the future, of course, but I do believe that I have the capabilities."

Their encounter inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, was supposed to be Tang's second defense of the crown. However, Abdullaev failed the pre-fight hydration test and also weighed well over the 155-pound limit.

ONE's matchmakers had no choice but to declare the 27-year-old ineligible to win the gold, and Tang ultimately agreed to compete in a non-title catchweight clash.

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Akbar Abdullaev gives his team their flowers

Akbar Abdullaev had a flawless performance against Tang Kai but knew that he would not have gotten to such a level had it not been for his team.

In the in-ring post-fight interview with ONE fighter-turned-commentator Mitch Chilson, Abdullaev praised his team and said:

"I want to say thank you specifically to my team right there. Without them, I wouldn't be here. Without a team that strong, champions aren't made."

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