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Akbar Abdullaev is quickly approaching the biggest fight and test of his undefeated career thus far.
A run of incredibly impressive performances has seen him rapidly ascend the featherweight MMA rankings. Following his clinical display against Halil Amir last year, it was clear that the elite finisher would go on to challenge for the world championship.
The No. 5-ranked contender will now get his opportunity in the main event of ONE Fight Night 27 on Jan. 10, where he collides with ONE featherweight MMA world champion Tang Kai.
Both men are yet to taste defeat under the ONE banner with a highlight reel of ruthless knockouts under their belts.
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In a recent interview with ONE Championship, the challenger gave his thoughts on his next opponent and how they match up with one another.
Akbar Abdullaev admitted that while he hasn't been constantly watching tape on the world champion, he knows what to expect from the calm and calculated style that the kingpin brings to the table:
"I haven't studied him very scrupulously, but I would say he prefers to strike, wait, and tries to be on the move. I think his strength is waiting and working on counter-attacks."
Akbar Abdullaev will need to be patient
Both Akbar Abdullaev and Tang Kai have shown in the past that whilst they're incredibly dangerous, they can both fight smart when they need to.
The biggest test for the challenger will be that he's so used to finishing opponents early on that he may get tested in the later rounds.
We've seen Tang Kai fight five rounds and look impressive in his title-winning performance against Thanh Le before he finished him in the rematch at ONE 166: Qatar last year.
Akbar Abdullaev may need to match the patient approach of his opponent so that he doesn't get carried away on January 10 and leave himself exposed.
ONE Fight Night 27 will be available to all active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America live in U.S. primetime for free.
