Islam Dulatov’s long-awaited return to the Octagon is official for July 25.
The model-turned-fighter scored a savage knockout win in his company debut at UFC 318 last July.
Islam Dulatov wiped out welterweight veteran Adam Fugitt two days before a photoshoot for GQ.
- PROFILE: Who is Islam Dulatov? Meet the Versace model turned UFC fighter
Islam Dulatov added to UFC Abu Dhabi
Islam Dulatov’s second UFC fight was confirmed by the promotion on Monday morning.
The 27-year-old will face 18-8 Brazilian fighter Wellington Turman at UFC Abu Dhabi next month.
Turman hasn’t fought since suffering his third loss in a row at UFC Austin in December 2023.
It’s safe to say most MMA fans weren’t happy with the UFC’s choice of opponent for Dulatov.
“They really gave a future prospect a can,” one person tweeted. While another asked: “How do you get an easier opponent when your first opponent was Fugitt?”
“Turman becomes a punching bag for UFC,” a third person said.
“First round KO for Dulatov,” someone else predicted.
“Awful matchmaking,” another person fumed.
“Bro is a part-time UFC fighter and a full-time model. This is his level for now,” a sixth fan said.
Who else is fighting at UFC Abu Dhabi?
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. will headline when MMA’s premier promotion returns to the United Arab Emirates.
Umar Nurmagomedov will face 14-1 bantamweight David Martinez in the UFC Abu Dhabi co-main event.
See below for a list of every fight that has been confirmed for the card so far.
- Magomed Ankalaev vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs. David Martinez
- Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov
- Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune
- Valter Walker vs. Thomas Petersen
- Dustin Jacoby vs. Uran Satybaldiev
- Brendson Ribeiro vs. Magomed Tuchalov
- Magomedrasul Gasanov vs. Abubakar Vagaev
- Ismael Bonfim vs. Axel Sola
- Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman