Contender Series 2026 Week 6 continues with a fight between Akbar Abdullaev and Ednilson Santos in the lightweight division. Check out our Contender Series odds series for our Abdullaev-Santos prediction and pick.

Akbar Abdullaev (13-0) enters unbeaten, boasting a perfect 100% finishing rate, 12 knockouts and one submission, and no career losses. He most recently blitzed Ibragim Dauev by third-round TKO in September 2025, following a fifth-round stoppage of Kai Tang while headlining ONE Fight Night 27. Known as ONE Championship's “uncrowned king,” his relentless power stands out as he comes into his fight this Tuesday against Ednilson Santos.

Ednilson Santos (14-7-1) snapped a two-fight skid with a composed unanimous-decision win over Shaheen Santana at LFA 233 in May. Before that, Dylan Mantello stopped Santos with second-round punches at LFA 204, while his 2024 win over Kamuela Kirk showed he can win rounds against experienced opposition. A seven-time knockout winner, Santos brings veteran toughness as he comes into his fight this Tuesday against Akbar Abdullaev.

Contender Series Week 6 Odds, courtesy of BetOnline.

Contender Series Week 6 Odds: Akbar Abdullaev-Ednilson Santos Odds

Akbar Abdullaev: -2100

Ednilson Santos: +1092

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Why Akbar Abdullaev Will Win

Akbar Abdullaev’s case begins with a rare perfect résumé: 13-0 with 13 finishes, including 12 knockouts and one submission. He has never needed a judges’ decision, which speaks to a relentlessly offensive style built to create decisive moments rather than merely bank rounds.

More importantly, Abdullaev has proven that his finishing ability translates against quality opposition. He stopped previously unbeaten Halil Amir, then defeated former ONE champion Tang Kai by fifth-round TKO before finishing Ibragim Dauev with third-round punches in his latest appearance.

That late Tang Kai stoppage matters because it undercuts any concern that Abdullaev is only dangerous during his first-round blitzes. He carries power deep, maintains pressure, and can keep building damage until an opponent’s defensive reactions slow down.

Santos is a rugged 14-7-1 veteran, but he accepted this matchup on one week’s notice after a May decision win over Shaheen Santana. He has alternated wins and losses across his past five decisive fights and was knocked out by Dylan Mantello in March 2025.

Stylistically, Santos’ six decision victories suggest he is best when fights become methodical and extended. Abdullaev’s pace and proven finishing aggression should deny him that rhythm immediately.

The key will be Abdullaev forcing exchanges before Santos can settle behind a conservative game plan. If he establishes his pressure and punching range early, Akbar has every ingredient to produce another violent stoppage and make a compelling case for a UFC contract.

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Why Ednilson Santos Will Win

Ednilson Santos has the experience edge that no unbeaten record can replicate: 22 professional bouts across nearly 12 years, including rounds against a wide range of styles. At 14-7-1, he has seven knockout wins and six decision victories, showing he can either hurt opponents or win methodically when a finish is not there.

Santos is coming off a unanimous-decision win over Shaheen Santana in May, a performance that restored momentum after a 2025 loss to Dylan Mantello. He also defeated UFC-experienced Kamuela Kirk by unanimous decision in November 2024, evidence that he can keep composure against proven, higher-level opposition.

Abdullaev’s 13-0, 13-finish record is frightening, but it also creates a question Santos can exploit: how will he react when an opponent survives his early pressure? Santos has gone the distance 13 times, including a five-round split-decision loss, and has the veteran patience to extend the fight into unfamiliar territory for Abdullaev.

The Brazilian should avoid open exchanges, make Abdullaev work from the clinch, and force resets after every burst. A measured game plan built around defensive responsibility, body work, and late-round composure gives Santos a realistic upset path.

Final Akbar Abdullaev-Ednilson Santos Prediction & Pick

Akbar Abdullaev should win this matchup, with his unbeaten 13-0 record and 100% finishing rate creating a substantial threat from the opening exchange. Twelve of his 13 victories have come by knockout, while he has also shown he can carry his offense into later rounds with his fifth-round stoppage of Tang Kai.

Santos brings valuable experience at 14-7-1 and owns seven knockouts of his own, but he accepted the opportunity on one week’s notice. That short preparation window is especially problematic against an aggressive opponent who will immediately force him to defend pressure, power shots, and takedown threats.

The key is whether Santos can slow the tempo, use the clinch, and push Abdullaev beyond the early danger zone. However, Abdullaev’s elite finishing consistency and offensive urgency make that a difficult task, particularly against a late replacement without a full camp.

I expect Santos to show toughness and attempt to make the bout ugly, but Abdullaev’s power should eventually break through for the first-round TKO, likely after backing Santos toward the fence and overwhelming him with straight punches and follow-up ground strikes.

Final Akbar Abdullaev-Ednilson Santos Prediction & Pick: Akbar Abdullaev (-2100)