Full Breakdown
UFC Targets ONE Champion-to-Be Akbar Abdullaev for Dana White’s Contender Series
8/19/2026, 9:52:58 PM
Upcoming DWCS Fight Highlights UFC’s Talent Acquisition
Two sources with direct knowledge of the booking, who asked to remain anonymous, say the UFC has placed Kyrgyzstan’s Akbar Abdullaev against A1 Combat standout Anthony Figueroa on the forthcoming September Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) card at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The promotion has not issued an official announcement, but the updated DWCS 92 fight card lists the matchup.
Background: Transition from ONE Championship
Abdullaev, who compiled a 13-0 record while competing for ONE Championship, reportedly left the organization in the spring. Fans have dubbed him the “uncrowned champion” after a fifth-round TKO over ONE champion Tang Kai; however, he failed ONE’s hydration test and was rendered ineligible for the title. Commentators have framed the move as a gain for the UFC and a loss for ONE, noting the organization’s ability to attract a top-ranked prospect from a rival promotion.
Fighter Profiles
- Akbar Abdullaev – 13-0 (12 KO, 1 submission); 100 % finishing rate; former ONE contender now seeking a UFC debut.
- Anthony Figueroa – 9-1 (3 KO, 1 submission); second-generation fighter whose father competed six times for Strikeforce between 2006 and 2008. Former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier is listed as Figueroa’s mentor.
Event Details and Stakes
The bout will be part of the DWCS 92 card, which serves as a pathway for fighters to earn UFC contracts. A victory for either competitor could secure a spot on the UFC roster, while a loss would likely keep the fighter in regional promotions. The matchup pits a flawless record and high knockout ratio against a prospect with notable mentorship and a family legacy in mixed martial arts.
Potential Impact on UFC and ONE
If Abdullaev wins, the UFC would acquire a fighter who has already demonstrated championship-level performance in ONE, potentially strengthening its heavyweight pipeline. Conversely, a Figueroa victory would underscore the effectiveness of UFC-based mentorship programs. Analysts suggest the fight illustrates the UFC’s broader strategy of absorbing top talent from competing organizations, thereby consolidating its position as the sport’s premier promotion.
