Kyrgyzstani knockout artist Akbar Abdullaev is hoping to extend his undefeated record and go bonus-hunting once again when he returns to action on July 14 at ONE Fight Night 12: Superlek vs. Khalilov on Prime Video.
That night in U.S. primetime, the surging featherweight will take on fellow undefeated phenom Aaron Canarte in an MMA bout that promises plenty of fireworks at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
(@abdullaev0997)Abdullaev comes into the contest riding high from his unforgettable promotional debut in March, when he scored a jaw-dropping 44-second knockout of Oh Ho Taek at ONE Fight Night 8.
Still feeling the excitement from that electric stoppage – which maintained his 100 percent finishing rate through nine bouts – “Bakal” played it back for ONEFC.com:
“I caught my opponent at the right moment, I took the chance, and I did not let it go. I expected him to move his head down, and caught him there!”
With one thunderous uppercut and the flurry of savage strikes that followed, Abdulaev emphatically announced his arrival in ONE’s featherweight MMA division and earned a US$50,000 performance bonus.
For the 25-year-old rising star, it was a life-changing moment:
“I was finally able to buy my own place, and more people began to recognize me! I’ve since lived a carefree life, solely dedicated to training.”
Naturally, Abdullaev would love to take home another bonus on July 14.
After earning a pair on the regional circuit and another one in the world’s largest martial arts organization, he’s hoping to keep building his reputation as a finisher and walk away with some extra cash.
He said:
“I think everyone is interested in the bonus, including me. I would like to earn a bonus and make a statement in the organization.”
Abdullaev Impressed With Canarte’s Record, But Not His Skills
Of course, before he can start planning how he’ll spend his next US$50,000 performance bonus, Akbar Abdullaev must first get past dangerous Ecuadorian newcomer Aaron Canarte.
The man nicknamed “Tommy Gun” boasts an undefeated professional record across 10 MMA bouts – a stellar mark that’s caught the attention of Abdulaev.
He said of Canarte:
“I am impressed by the fact that he has no losses. It is obvious that he is physically strong and has a lot of character.”
However, “Bakal’s” praise of the 26-year-old South American stops there.
While Canarte might be the physically larger athlete, Abdullaev isn’t particularly concerned with what his foe will bring to the ring.
He explained:
“My opponent is not bad. Honestly speaking, he’s good and has fought in good organizations. I think he has no special skills in his arsenal, though. His main advantage is his height. He is taller and a little bit heavier than me, but I do not expect anything special from him in terms of speed or wrestling.”
A religious man, the rapidly rising featherweight won’t predict exactly how he’ll win at ONE Fight Night 12, but he will certainly share his preferred method of victory – even down to the exact punch that would score the knockout.
Abdulaev added:
“Ideally, I want a first-round finish with a close-range uppercut. That’s the way I’d like it to be, but everything is in the hands of the Almighty.”
