Islam Dulatov returns at UFC Fight Night 282 to face Wellington Turman in Abu Dhabi

Islam Dulatov (12-1) will make his return to the octagon against Wellington Turman (18-8) at UFC Fight Night 282 on July 25 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, with the UFC confirming the welterweight matchup via social media.

Dulatov’s path to the UFC is unlike most on the roster. The Chechen-born German previously modeled for Versace and Gucci, and shared a runway with Bella and Gigi Hadid before walking away from the fashion industry to pursue a career in mixed martial arts. It proved to be a decisive pivot: after dropping his MMA debut in 2019, Dulatov has finished 12 consecutive opponents, clearing the first round on only one of those occasions.

Known as “The Ripper,” Dulatov secured his UFC contract with a first-round knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024, then backed it up with another first-round KO over Adam Fugitt in his promotional debut. He has not competed since that victory, making July 25 his first appearance in roughly a year.

Turman enters the bout under considerably more pressure. The 29-year-old is 3-6 inside the UFC since joining the promotion in 2019 and is currently riding a three-fight losing streak. With his record trending in the wrong direction, his place on the roster is likely contingent on a result against one of the division’s more dangerous finishers.

The fight adds a compelling contrast in trajectories: Dulatov arrives as an unbeaten UFC prospect with momentum and finishing power, while Turman is a seasoned UFC veteran fighting to extend his contract. Whether Dulatov’s relentless first-round aggression can be neutralised by Turman’s experience will be one of the more watchable storylines on the Fight Night 282 card.