"This is an honor for me" - Akbar Abdullaev embraces the opportunity to represent Kyrgyzstan on the global stage

ONE Championship star Akbar Abdullaev is a name MMA fans should have on their radar thanks to his perfect 11-0 record, 10 of which are knockouts. However, with that much success comes the pressure of raising the flag of Kyrgyzstan — a burden that he is all too happy to bear.

In an interview with the world's largest martial arts promotion, 'Bakal' expressed immense gratitude to ONE for giving him the platform to represent his country, mentioning:

"This is the goal of my life - to represent my motherland and my people to the whole world so that the whole world knows there are such strong fighters as the Kyrgyz. This is an honor for me."

The Central Asian nation has already produced a ONE world champion — former ONE welterweight MMA king Kiamrian Abbasov. 'Brazen' ascended to the throne by defeating then-reigning Zebaztian Kadestam at ONE: Dawn of Valor in October 2019.

Abdullaev will look to follow in his footsteps when he challenges ONE featherweight MMA world champion Tang Kai for the gold in the main event of ONE Fight Night 27 on Friday, Jan. 10. The event will be held at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

---

Tang Kai predicts outcome of his world title clash with Akbar Abdullaev

Tang Kai, who has five knockouts in eight wins under the ONE banner, has an idea of how his 155-pound MMA world title tilt with Akbar Abdullaev could end.

Speaking recently with ONE, the undefeated Chinese star shared:

"I think we both are good strikers and we each have knockout power, but the key is who can find their timing first."

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