Every elite athlete faces that defining moment when preparation meets opportunity under the brightest lights. For Ibragim Dauev, that moment arrives this Friday, September 5, when he steps across from #1-ranked Akbar “Bakal” Abdullaev at ONE Fight Night 35 inside Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium.
The 24-year-old Russian understands the magnitude of this featherweight MMA contest. Abdullaev brings not just an undefeated record, but a perfect finishing rate that has made him one of ONE Championship’s most feared competitors. Yet Dauev approaches this challenge with the confidence of someone who has studied every angle.
“I watched Akbar’s performances and studied his style. His weaknesses are unknown to me, but I know my strengths very well, and I intend to use them and impose my game,” Dauev said. “I’m not going to play by his rules — I will impose my game and do everything so that the contest goes exactly as I want.”
This represents more than tactical preparation; it’s about dictating the terms of engagement against an opponent known for controlling the pace and finding finishes. Dauev recognizes that passive approaches rarely succeed against elite-level competition, particularly someone with Abdullaev’s track record.
“The main lesson for me is not to take a heavy shot. But, like him, I also know how to finish contests early,” Dauev said.
Both athletes enter this contest at career peaks. Dauev brings a perfect 3-0 promotional record, including impressive victories over previously undefeated prospects Magomed Akaev and Pedro Dantas. His systematic approach to dismantling quality opposition has positioned him as a legitimate threat in the competitive featherweight division.
Abdullaev arrives with equally impressive credentials. His 4-0 ONE Championship record is capped by his dominant performance against reigning titleholder Tang Kai. Though weight cutting issues prevented him from claiming the ONE World Title that night, his technical superiority was undeniable.
The statistical matchup fascinates analysts. Abdullaev’s perfect finishing rate of 12 victories in 12 professional contests speaks to his ability to end competitions decisively. Yet Dauev remains unfazed by these numbers, viewing them as motivation rather than intimidation.
“Akbar has 12 contests and 12 finishes. But this doesn’t worry me, and I don’t think about it at all. I’m ready to compete against anyone and defeat anyone. This is MMA — anything can happen here, and this contest won’t be an exception.”
For Dauev, a victory would validate his credentials while potentially securing his first title opportunity. But he first has to defeat the division’s top contender.
“This contest is very important for me because a victory will open up the opportunity for me to compete for the belt,” he said. “I know for sure that the winner of our contest deserves a title fight. I deserve this chance because [if I beat Abdullaev], that means my last three opponents were undefeated, and I also beat the number one in our division.”
