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Akbar Abdullaev believes his hands will prove to be more dangerous than reigning ONE featherweight MMA world champion Tang Kai this Friday night.
Emanating from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, the undefeated Abdullaev will square off with Tang in the first ONE Championship headliner of 2025 as the promotion presents ONE Fight Night 27 live on Amazon Prime Video in both the United States and Canada.
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Sitting as the fifth-ranked contender in the division, Abdullaev went into his first main event under the ONE banner determined to prove that he was the superior striker when compared to his Chinese opposition. In a pre-fight interview, Abdullaev said:
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"I think it’s timing and throwing a strike on time, but I try to show myself in all aspects, though I think I’m superior at striking. I prepare [well enough] for all of my fights, whether it’s three or five rounds".
Unfortunately, Abdullaev will not be eligible to leave the Mecca of Muay Thai with 26 pounds of gold wrapped around his waist.
Akbar Abdullaev fails weight and hydration test ahead of ONE Fight Night 27
During Thursday's official weigh-in ceremony on Thursday, Akbar Abdullaev failed to meet both the weight and hydration requirements for his first ONE world title opportunity.
As a result, Abdullaev is no longer eligible to win the ONE featherweight MMA crown, even with the most decisive of victories. Still, he will be looking to keep his 'O' intact and move his overall record to 12-0.
Tang Kai, on the other hand, did make weight for their anticipated title tilt, meaning that he is still eligible to leave The Land of Smiles with the gold.
As of this writing, a catchweight bout is being negotiated between the two fighters, though no official details have been announced as to what weight their fight will be contested at. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda for more information as it becomes available.
Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE Fight Night 27 live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, Jan. 10 in U.S. primetime.
