Dana White's Contender Series' 'greatest talent' gets UFC debut opponent

Akbar Abdullaev will reportedly make his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut against Mairon Santos. Abdullaev (14-0) and Santos (17-1) will meet in a lightweight clash at UFC Saudi Arabia on Dec. 5 in Riyadh, Ag Fight reports. While Santos competes at featherweight, he will be moving up a weight class for this fight.Akbar Abdullaev vs. Mairon Santos reportedly set for UFC Saudi Arabia Santos has won all four of his UFC fights since joining the promotion in 2024. The Brazilian will be making his first walk to the Octagon this year against Abdullaev, who earned his UFC contract with a 19-second knockout win on Dana White’s Contender Series in September. The undefeated Kyrgyz, who previously competed in One Championship, boasts a 100% finishing rate. UFC CEO Dana White lauded Abdullaev, calling him “the greatest talent” to ever fight on DWCS. “I’m going to call you possibly the greatest talent that’s ever been on this show in 10 years,” White said. “I think you’re going to be a huge superstar and a very big threat in this sport.”BREAKING! UFC encaminha Mairons Santos vs Akbar Abdullaev para o dia 5 de dezembro!— Ag. Fight (@AgFight) November 3, 2026