The co-main event of ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova on Prime Video will see two undefeated MMA phenoms go toe-to-toe in a can’t-miss featherweight tilt at Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

All-action Kyrgyz standout Akbar “Bakal” Abdullaev and the well-rounded Halil “No Mercy” Amir are now in the final preparations for their much-anticipated battle this Friday, May 3 in U.S. primetime.

Akbar Abdullaev’s assessment of his opponent

With his 100 percent finishing rate and pristine 10-0 record that includes a pair of first-round knockouts in ONE Championship, Abdullaev has enjoyed a meteoric rise on the global stage.

The 26-year-old admits that his foe – who also boasts a 10-0 career record – is a talented athlete in his own right. After putting together a three-fight run in ONE’s lightweight MMA division, Amir is now dropping to featherweight to test himself against “Bakal.”

Abdullaev is quick to give his opponent credit where it’s due. He said:

“My first impression of him – he is a good fighter, tough, and he’s a good puncher, too.

“Let’s see how he does when he moves to our division. He was born in Kyrgyzstan, so I expect him to be tough.

“He has good stamina, he is agile, moves well, and a good puncher. You’ll see his weaknesses in the ring. I think whoever implements their style will win [this battle].”

The clash of undefeated titans

Having firmly established himself as one of the most dangerous featherweights on the planet, Abdullaev is understandably confident ahead of this matchup.

But he also admits feeling the pressure of maintaining his unblemished record.

“[The biggest weapons] I will bring into this fight are a good attitude and knowledge.

“It is very important to stay undefeated. There is a demand for undefeated fighters everywhere.”

Given what each man brings to the table, fans are in for a real treat on May 3.

Both men are heavy-handed, ruthless finishers, each with the skills and mental fortitude to one day become a World Champion.

Abdullaev added:

“Everything is interesting about this fight. It will be a puncher against another puncher, both undefeated. [We fight] with a strong fighting character, and always give great shows.

“My prediction is always the same – the ring will be the judge.”