ONE Fight Night 27 preview and predictions: Tang Kai vs Akbar Abdullaev

There's nothing more exciting in mixed martial arts when two knockout artists battle for domination, and the main event of ONE Fight Night 27 has that covered. Tang Kai will defend the ONE featherweight MMA world title against fellow headhunter Akbar Abdullaev in the headlining match of ONE Championship's first Amazon card this Friday at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Both fighters are absolute monsters and often go to great lengths to produce that highlight reel knockout. Tang is a perfect 8-0 in his ONE Championship run, with five knockout wins against Sung Jong Lee, Ryogo Takahashi, Yoon Chang Min, Kim Jae Woong and Thanh Le.

Abdullaev, meanwhile, is at 3-0 in the promotion with all of his wins coming via knockout. The Kyrgyz standout has sent Oh Ho Taek, Aaron Canarte and Halil Amir to the shadow realm with his terrifying power.

Before ONE Fight Night 27 goes down this Friday, Sportskeeda MMA's ONE Championship team put together a comprehensive breakdown of the impending slugfest between Tang Kai and Akbar Abdullaev.

ONE Fight Night 27 is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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James De Rozario: Tang Kai by knockout

I envision Tang Kai cruising to a landslide victory in this main event tilt inside the Mecca of Muay Thai this week.

As good as Abdullaev is, he is not cut from the same cloth as the Chinese megastar. The Kyrgyzstan warrior sure knows how to finish his fights in style, but with Tang, it's a different ball game altogether.

The Sunkin International Fight Club athlete executes the basics so well, that at times, critics often struggle to find what makes him special. That said, he’ll remind the world of his world-class abilities in this matchup with a second-round knockout.

Tang Kai will use his pace and movement to fend off Abdullaev’s combinations while creating big opportunities to strike on the counter. Moreover, he doesn’t just have one weapon at his disposal, as seen in his vicious gallery of finishes on the global stage.

Tang’s firepower will become more effective the deeper the match goes, and I believe it’ll help him catch Abdullaev slacking right around the midway point of the third round.

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Mike Murillo: Tang Kai by knockout

This is going to be an engaging match between two fighters on an impressive roll. But I see Tang Kai winning this and retaining the featherweight MMA gold by third-round TKO.

While Akbar Abdullaev has an undefeated professional record in 11 matches, the last three in ONE, the quality of fighters he has faced is not as high-profile as those of Tang’s. I think it will come into play in this match and the Chinese champion’s experience in big fights will serve him in good stead.

Abdullaev has the KO power and aggression to be a handful if allowed to do his thing, but Tang will be wise to that and will make sure that his opponent does not get the headway he is angling for.

Still, I expect this contest to be explosive, with Tang landing a solid punch to set up a finish and call it a night.

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Ted Razon: Tang Kai by knockout

Fireworks is written all over this one, given both Tang Kai and Akbar Abdullaev’s penchant for violence. With both fighters knowing how dangerous the other is, the first round will likely be a feeling-out process.

Tang loves to get a read of his opponents early and will likely be content to counterstrike in the first five minutes. Abdullaev will find out how evasive and tricky the champ can be with his footwork and could find himself missing the mark.

However, ‘Bakal’ displayed an incredible wrestling game against Halil Amir and I expect him to land some takedowns and ground and pound to get the upper hand.

Tang will be more cautious of the takedowns in round 2, which should leave him open for one of the challenger’s ballistic haymakers. I see Abdullaev tagging the Chinese star and perhaps even scoring a finish.

The resilient champion should weather the storm and find some openings in the third frame. ‘Bakal’ will likely slow down especially if this reaches the championship rounds, which is unfamiliar territory for him.

I see Tang pouncing the moment Abdullaev drops his guard to secure a comeback TKO victory.

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Vince Richards: Tang Kai by submission

This match will be utter carnage from start to finish.

Tang Kai and Akbar Abdullaev are two of the most fearsome strikers in the featherweight division, but this match could have a surprising finish.

The judges won't be involved, but I expect Tang's evolution to be unleashed in the headlining match of ONE Fight Night 27.

Both fighters are notorious for hitting that one-shot knockout, and I see Tang relying on his devastating power to set up his offense against Abdullaev.

Tang, however, could surprise Abdullaev with his refined grappling in the championship rounds and lock in a stunning submission attempt after vicious ground-and-pound.

It might sound preposterous at this time, but Tang could retain his gold via a rear-naked choke or armbar.