Akbar Abdullaev's 19-Second KO Wows Dana White at DWCS

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Akbar Abdullaev needed just 19 seconds to knock out Ednilson Santos on Dana White's Contender Series, a finish that prompted Dana White to call the unbeaten lightweight the greatest talent the show has produced in its 10-year history.

Abdullaev improved to 14-0 with the win, stopping Santos with a single punch while Santos was still on his feet at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. It was one of four knockout or submission finishes on the Week 6 card that earned fighters UFC contracts, alongside a fifth fighter told to come back for another shot.

What Dana White Said About Akbar Abdullaev

Dana White did not hold back after watching the finish live. "That punch sounded like a baseball bat," White said, before adding he would "call you possibly the greatest talent that has been on this show in 10 years." White told Abdullaev he expects him to become "a huge superstar and a very big threat in this sport" before handing him a UFC contract on the spot. Abdullaev's finish capped a card that also saw Mayton Perea stop previously undefeated Zevan Hunt in 45 seconds in the main event, Igor Cavalcanti submit Oscar Ravello via ground-and-pound in 98 seconds, and Luis Hernandez survive a knockdown and a submission attempt to force a tapout from Hugo Guillon in the second round.

Four Contracts, One Fighter Asked Back

Abdullaev, Perea, Cavalcanti and Hernandez all got their contracts on the spot, pushing the season's total to 28 signings, the most through this point in any DWCS season. Tyshawn Williams won a clean decision over Antonio Monteiro but did not get a deal. White told the undefeated featherweight he liked what he saw and wants him back for another Contender Series appearance later this season rather than handing him a contract off one win.

Betting Angle

Abdullaev's brand of one-punch power is exactly the kind of profile sportsbooks and fans chase early, unbeaten at 14-0 with a finish rate that has yet to see a decision. Once he's booked for a UFC lightweight debut, expect him to open as a solid favorite against whatever level of opposition the matchmakers hand him, with his stoppage record likely to push moneylines and inside-the-distance props in his favor. Perea's performance carries similar weight after he stopped a fighter who came in unbeaten in seven pro fights, the kind of result that tends to get a newcomer moved quickly rather than eased into the roster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Dana White say about Akbar Abdullaev?

Dana White called Akbar Abdullaev possibly the greatest talent to appear on Dana White's Contender Series in its 10-year history after his 19-second knockout of Ednilson Santos.

Who won UFC contracts on DWCS Week 6?

Akbar Abdullaev, Mayton Perea, Igor Cavalcanti and Luis Hernandez all earned UFC contracts on DWCS Week 6, while Tyshawn Williams was asked to return for another Contender Series bout.