Undefeated ONE Championship fighter Akbar Abdulayev, who carries a 13-0 overall record with a 5-0 mark in ONE, is set to compete in a UFC Dana White Contender Series tournament bout. The news comes despite earlier reports that Abdulayev had signed with the Russian promotion Open FC.
Undefeated ONE Championship lightweight Akbar Abdulayev is reportedly set to appear on the UFC's Dana White Contender Series, according to reports that have not been officially confirmed.
Abdulayev enters with a perfect 13-0 overall record, which includes a 5-0 run inside ONE Championship. The appearance would mark a significant step toward the UFC roster for the unbeaten prospect, whose unblemished record has drawn attention across the global MMA landscape.
The report comes with a notable wrinkle. Earlier accounts had suggested Abdulayev had already committed to Open FC, a Russian promotion, making the reported DWCS booking something of a surprise. Whether that prior agreement fell through or was never finalized is unclear, and until an official announcement is made, the situation should be treated as unconfirmed.
Why it matters
- A 13-0 fighter with ONE Championship experience represents a legitimate prospect, not a developmental unknown
- The DWCS format means a win could earn an immediate UFC contract, fast-tracking Abdulayev into the world's premier MMA organization
- The conflicting reports about Open FC add uncertainty — this bout cannot be considered a done deal at this stage
- If it does materialize, the matchup would pit an unbeaten fighter with international promotional experience against UFC-level competition for the first time
Given that the story carries rumor status and verified fighter data is limited, the finer details of the booking remain thin. What is established is that Abdulayev is an undefeated fighter with a credible résumé, and any pathway that leads him to the Contender Series would be a meaningful development in his career trajectory.
