Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

UFC CEO Dana White puts Sean O’Malley and Jamahal Hill below one former ONE standout in naming the greatest DWCS talents.

Dana White and the UFC have a unique way of acquiring top-tier young talents. From The Ultimate Fighter to Dana White’s Contender Series, there are several marquee avenues for up-and-coming fighters to make their dreams come to fruition.

Several DWCS alums, including Sean O’Malley and Jamahal Hill, have gone on to win UFC titles after earning contracts on the show. O’Malley’s knockout on the show is arguably the most famous moment in DWCS history.

This year’s edition of DWCS hasn’t disappointed as White has handed out contracts to make intriguing young talents. But one of White’s recent signees might top all of the previous DWCS fighters in terms of talent and expectations.

Dana White puts DWCS signee Akbar Abdullaev on a huge pedestal

During his post-event interview with Laura Sanko on the latest episode of DWCS, White paid an unprecedented compliment to Akbar Abdullaev following his wild knockout.

ONE PUNCH IS ALL HE NEEDED 🤯🤯🤯

Akbar Abdullaev UNCORKS a right hand for the clean KO!

[ #DWCS | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/yPQWtZIFi4

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 16, 2026

“I don’t even know what to say to you,” White said of Abdullaev.

“That punch sounded like a baseball bat. I’m going to go out on a limb here, and I’m going to call you possibly the greatest talent that’s ever been on this show in 10 years. I think that you’re going to be a huge superstar and a very big threat in this sport.

“I can’t wait to see you fight again. Welcome to the UFC.” (h/t MMA Junkie)

Abdullaev knocked out Alex Pereira’s teammate, Ednilson Santos, in just 19 seconds earlier this week on DWCS. The undefeated lightweight is 14-0 in his career with five wins in ONE Championship.

White expressed a similar sentiment with current UFC welterweight star Michael Morales after his win on DWCS. Abdullaev will look to match sky-high expectations in his promotional debut later this year.

What are your thoughts on Akbar Abdullaev’s UFC potential? Share your thoughts in the comments!

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM