Akbar Abdullaev calls for Max Holloway after DWCS win

Akbar Abdullaev has already set his sights on some of the UFC's biggest names after earning a UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series. The undefeated prospect secured a first-round knockout on Tuesday and believes he is ready to test himself against ranked opponents. Abdullaev specifically mentioned former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway as a potential opponent.

Akbar Abdullaev Believes He Belongs in the Top 10

With a first-round knockout in only 19 seconds against Edenilson Santos on DWCS, Abdullaev secured a UFC contract. Despite having yet to make his promotional debut, the Kyrgyz prospect is already confident he can compete with the best fighters in the division.

Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Abdullaev explained that he does not feel the same pressure he experienced earlier in his life and now sees competition as almost a game.

"Right now, for me, it's kind of a game," Abdullaev said. "I had so much pressure before in my life that I feel great. It's kind of a game for me. [...] I always knew I could fight top 10. My skills allow me to fight in the top 10 and I always knew that."

Akbar Abdullaev Wants to Fight Max Holloway

Abdullaev also made it clear that he is interested in more than simply entering the UFC. The undefeated fighter wants to share the Octagon with some of the biggest names in the promotion and believes facing established stars is the path to gaining recognition. The Kyrgyz fighter specifically named Holloway, a former UFC featherweight champion and one of the most experienced fighters in the division, as someone he would like to face.

"I want to fight some famous fighters, legends like Max Holloway," Abdullaev said. "I want to get the fame. That's why I need to fight over him."

At 28 years old, Abdullaev arrives at the UFC with a 14-0 professional record, having finished all of his opponents. The Kyrgyz fighter competed at ONE Championship for more than two years, making five appearances.