Akbar Abdullaev and Ibragim Dauev clash in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 5, 2025
Both are featherweight MMA title contenders and are putting their double-digit win streaks on the line
Abdullaev vs Dauev showdown is a part of the ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs Hemetsberger fight card
Russian star Ibragim Dauev is fired up to take on the toughest test of his career when he squares off against undefeated Akbar “Bakal” Abdullaev in a high-stakes featherweight MMA showdown.
The 24-year-old meets the division’s #1-ranked contender at ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video, which emanates live in U.S. primetime on Friday, September 5 from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium.
Overcoming Abdullaev, who also holds an astonishing 100 percent finishing rate, is certainly a tall order. The unbeaten Kyrgyzstani has consistently impressed with every performance, and has established himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in ONE Championship.
But Dauev has done his homework, and while he admits to the inherent risks of facing Abdullaev, he doesn’t plan on giving his opponent any breathing room.
The Russian star believes that in order to neutralize the Kyrgyzstani’s finishing ability, he must instead be aggressive and force his own game plan into effect:
“I watched Akbar’s fights and studied his style. His weaknesses are unknown to me, but I know my strengths very well, and I intend to use them and impose my game.
“The main lesson for me is not to take a heavy shot. But, like him, I also know how to finish fights early. I’m not going to play by his rules — I will impose my game and do everything so that the fight goes exactly as I want.”
When Dauev and Abdullaev meet on Friday, two prime featherweights at the top of their game will face off. Both bring impressive winning streaks into the ring.
Dauev heads into this battle with a perfect 3-0 promotional record, including back-to-back victories over previously undefeated talents Magomed Akaev and Pedro “Guerreiro” Dantas this year.
Abdullaev, meanwhile, is 4-0 in the world’s largest martial arts organization and is fresh off a big win over ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai in his last outing.
That being said, Dauev remains unfazed at the gargantuan task before him. The Russian looks to score another major upset against another opponent with a perfect record, and take Abdullaev’s #1 ranking in the division for himself.
He told onefc.com:
“Akbar has 12 fights and 12 finishes. But this doesn’t worry me, and I don’t think about it at all. I’m ready to fight anyone and beat anyone. This is MMA — anything can happen here, and this fight won’t be an exception.”
Dauev Believes World Championship Dreams Are Within Reach
Like every fighter on the roster, Ibragim Dauev dreams of becoming a ONE World Champion. With three massive wins on his resume, the Russian star is getting very close to the gold.
If he can take home the victory over Akbar Abdullaev at ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video, the 24-year-old standout believes he has a legitimate chance at earning his first shot at the ONE Featherweight MMA World Title.
The Fight Club Akhmat and One Chance athlete shared:
“This fight is very important for me because a victory will open up the opportunity for me to fight for the belt.
“I know for sure that the winner of our fight deserves a title fight. I deserve this chance because [if I beat Abdullaev], that means my last three opponents were undefeated, and I also beat the number one in our division.”
Fans will be treated to an absolute spectacle when two of ONE’s most talented featherweights finally lock horns.
While Dauev is confident his well-rounded style will be enough to overcome Abdullaev’s high-octane offense, the Russian star also knows he has to give it everything he’s got and leave it all in the ring.
It won’t be easy, but the 24-year-old is confident he has what it takes. He’s ready to execute his game plan to perfection and take out his most challenging assignment yet:
“Akbar is a good and dangerous fighter, but I’m completely ready. I won’t make predictions, but I will do everything to win at any cost.”
“I am always confident in myself and consider myself the best, no matter who they put me against. There is no fighter who cannot be defeated.”
