Contender Series: Brutal! Alex Poatan's Partner Destroyed in 19 Seconds by 'MMA Sensation'

Akbar Abdullaev knocked out Ednilson Cai-Cai in the Contender Series. Photo: Getty Images/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

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Ednilson Cai-Cai wanted a contract with the UFC, but was far from achieving it in the Contender Series. In the sixth episode of the tenth season of the program, held this Tuesday (15), in Las Vegas (USA), the Brazilian, training partner of Alex Poatan , had a terrible night and was knocked out in an incredible 19 seconds by the talented Akbar Abdullaev. As could not be otherwise, Dana White, shocked by what the Kyrgyzstani, undefeated in MMA, did, signed him to join the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) of the company.

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Deadly beast

Before the fight took place, Abdullaev was considered a heavy favorite by bookmakers to win, and he lived up to the hype. Cai-Cai accepted the fight at the last minute and, indeed, suffered a heavy defeat in the octagon.

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Confident and comfortable in action, Abdullaev landed only three blows on the Brazilian. The first two were punches to Ednilson's midsection. Then, the Kyrgyzstani landed a devastating overhand right, which knocked Alex Poatan 's training partner unconscious instantly.

Watch Abdullaev's knockout in the Contender Series.

ONE PUNCH IS ALL HE NEEDED 🤯🤯🤯

Akbar Abdullaev UNCORKS a right hand for the clean KO!

[ #DWCS | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/yPQWtZIFi4

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 16, 2026

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Dana White congratulates Akbar Abdullaev on his Contender Series victory. Photo: Getty Images/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Abdullaev's MMA history

Akbar Abdullaev, 28, is a promising MMA fighter. The Kyrgyzstani fighter began his career in the sport in 2020 and was signed by the UFC in 2026. In the sport, 'Bakal' built a perfect record, consisting of 14 wins, all by stoppage (13 by knockout and one by submission).

Bad night for Brazil.

In the first fight of the episode, 31-year-old Antônio Monteiro was no match for Tyshawn Williams. The Brazilian struggled in the octagon, lost by unanimous decision, and consequently missed the chance to join the UFC.

Despite the easy victory, the American, undefeated in MMA, was not signed by Dana White. However, the UFC president stated that he will give Williams another chance in the Contender Series.