“Keep pushing forward” - Akbar Abdullaev revels on his ascent from delivering cakes in Moscow to dominating ONE Championship

Kyrgyzstani fighter Akbar Abdullaev is proud and happy with how his professional martial arts career has panned out. The journey included him working as a courier of cakes on the side early in his journey.

The 27-year-old Al Munar Team/Tiger Muay Thai standout opened up about it following his dismantling of ONE featherweight MMA world champion Tang Kai of China in their catchweight (156.75 lbs) clash at ONE Fight Night 27 on Jan. 10 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Abdullaev said:

"Three years ago, I was working as a courier in Moscow. I was delivering cakes through a delivery service. I would have never guessed that I would be here right now. So what I want to say is, set your goals. Don't give up. Keep pushing forward."

Akbar Abdullaev was impressive in taking the fight to Tang Kai, steadily tearing down the latter on his way to securing a fifth-round TKO win to send shockwaves in the featherweight lane.

The contest was supposed to be for the featherweight MMA belt but with Abdullaev missing weight and hydration tests, the match was played at catchweight. He also missed out on a possible $50,000 performance bonus as part of his penalty. The win stretched his undefeated professional record to 12-0 to date.

Replay of ONE Fight Night 27 is available on demand to North American fans via Amazon Prime Video.

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Akbar Abdullaev says it is his time to shine

Even before he convincingly defeated Tang Kai at ONE Fight Night 27 on Jan. 10, Akbar Abdullaev said it was his time to shine and take his place among the top fighters in ONE Championship.

He shared this in an interview with the promotion as he prepared to battle erstwhile undefeated Tang, saying:

"I have come to ONE Championship to become number one. I knew from the beginning I could become the best at that."

Abdullaev added:

"I want to prove that the new generation has come, new fighters [have come], and the best fighters are from Kyrgyzstan. I would like to bring this belt to my motherland. My time has come."

The win was the fourth straight for Abdullaev in ONE, with all of his victories coming by way of knockout.