Top-ranked Kyrgyzstani contender Akbar Abdullaev carries the weight of missed opportunity into his crucial featherweight MMA showdown against undefeated Russian Ibragim Dauev at ONE Fight Night 35 on 6 September.
The 27-year-old knows that victory over the 24-year-old Dauev represents his clearest path back to title contention after his heartbreaking experience against Tang Kai earlier this year.
Abdullaev dominated the current ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion with a fifth-round TKO victory, but his failure to make weight meant he walked away without the title despite his dominant performance.
The missed opportunity haunts him as he prepares for another chance to prove his credentials.
Despite the magnitude of this encounter, Abdullaev approaches the matchup with characteristic humility and respect.
"I don't think that [either] me or him has any particular advantages. The fight will show. We both perform well and are on winning streaks. We both have character and ambition. We usually put on exciting fights," the #1-ranked contender analyzed.
His preparation philosophy remains unchanged regardless of opponent caliber.
"Every fight is different from the previous one. Anything can be expected, I will try to prepare to the maximum," Abdullaev explained.
The veteran with 12-0 record refuses to alter his proven methods for this career-defining bout.
"I was training as usual, in my own manner, with my team. I didn't change anything. I always say the fight will show, but I will fight in my usual way and style," he said.
His respectful approach extends to his opponent's preparation.
"I wish him a training camp without injuries,” he added. “I am always getting ready for a full and maximum difficult fight with any opponent. I never make predictions."
ONE Fight Night 35 will be broadcast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Select 2 at 6:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, 6 September.
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