Former Versace model turned fighter returns at UFC Abu Dhabi

[ASFN Admin]

Islam Dulatov is set to return to action after a year.

Dulatov (12-1) is scheduled to take on Wellington Turman (18-8) at UFC Fight Night 282 on July 25 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The promotion announced the welterweight pairing via social media.

A Different Kind of Work History​

Dulatov has previously modeled for renowned brands like Versace and Gucci and also shared the stage once with Bella and Gigi Hadid. However, the Chechen-born German left modeling to pursue MMA. Since suffering a loss in his MMA debut in 2019, Dulatov has finished 12 straight fights, going past the first round on only one occasion. “The Ripper” earned his UFC contract with a first-round KO on Dana White's Contender Series in 2024, and lived up to his hype with another first-round KO over Adam Fugitt in his UFC debut last year.

Meanwhile, Turman is 3-6 in the UFC since his promotional debut in 2019. The 29-year-old’s contract will probably be on the line as he looks to rebound from a three-fight slump against Dulatov at UFC Abu Dhabi.

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