The undefeated Kyrgyzstani sensation defeated a reigning world champion but walked away empty-handed, carrying the weight of what might have been into his next opportunity at ONE Fight Night 35.
On Friday, September 5, at Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium, Abdullaev faces Russian standout Ibragim Dauev in a featherweight MMA contest that represents far more than just another ranking match. For “Bakal,” this is about proving he deserves the championship that slipped through his fingers.
The memory of January’s ONE Fight Night 27 still stings. Abdullaev dominated reigning ONE featherweight MMA world champion Tang Kai over five rounds, scoring a fifth-round TKO in what should have been his crowning moment.
Instead, his failure to make weight before the contest meant the title remained with Tang Kai, leaving Abdullaev with an empty victory.
“Yeah, I was disappointed, but it’s all the will of the Almighty. Everything is for the best. I don’t have the belt, so I don’t feel like a champion. I wanted that [rematch], but I knew he would never accept a fight with me,” Abdullaev said.
The path back to championship contention runs directly through Dauev, a 24-year-old Chechen competitor who has quietly assembled an impressive 3-0 record in ONE Championship. The Russian represents exactly the kind of test that can either validate Abdullaev’s credentials or raise questions about his elite status.
Despite the magnitude of what’s at stake, Abdullaev approaches this contest with measured confidence. Rather than overlooking Dauev or focusing entirely on future title implications, he’s giving his immediate opponent the respect that competition demands.
“I don’t think that [either] me or him has any particular advantages. The contest will show. We both perform well and are on winning streaks. We both have character and ambition. We usually put on exciting performances,” Abdullaev said.
The preparation has remained consistent with the approach that nearly delivered championship gold. Rather than drastically altering his methods after the weight cut setback, Abdullaev has maintained the training regimen that proved effective against elite opposition.
“I was training as usual, in my own manner, with my team,” he said. “I didn’t change anything. I always say the contest will show, but I will compete in my usual way and style.”
His respect for Dauev extends beyond professional courtesy. The #1-ranked contender understands that facing a motivated, undefeated prospect requires maximum preparation and focus, regardless of past accomplishments.
“I wish him a training camp without injuries,” he added. “I am always getting ready for a full and maximum difficult contest with any opponent. I never make predictions. Loss or victory, it’s all from the Almighty.”
