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In regular circumstances, Akbar Abdullaev would be on cloud nine right now after becoming the ONE featherweight MMA world champion. This is unfortunately not how things ended up playing out for the undefeated contender following ONE Fight Night 27.
On Jan. 10, he proved what many have theorized for some time - that he's one of the most exciting rising talents in the world right now.
In the main event at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, he put on a dominant performance against the divisional king Tang Kai. The challenger was on top across all ranges and was consistently landing takedowns, controlling the fight with his grappling, and winning the striking exchanges.
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He went on to finish the Chinese world champion in the fifth round, but it was a bittersweet moment for him in some ways.
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Abdullaev missed weight ahead of the contest and was therefore unable to leave Bangkok with the featherweight gold.
After making a statement against his opponent, Akbar Abdullaev wants a rematch for the belt at the soonest possible date, as he said in his post-event press conference:
"I'm ready. I can do it in the next tournament. I can do it in Qatar. It's just a matter of when he's ready. I can do it next week. I can even do it tomorrow. Really, I'm ready."
Akbar Abdullaev could be the champion in waiting
It will take a huge performance from Tang Kai to defeat Akbar Abdullaev in a rematch considering how the first fight played out.
Weight miss aside, the challenger was so impressive in the 'Mecca of Muay Thai' that many will believe that he is the rightful champion whether or not he holds the world title.
It is currently unknown when they will meet again, but you can be sure that Abdullaev is very confident about history repeating itself with him getting his hand raised once again.
North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch all the action from ONE Fight Night 27 via the free event replay.
