Islam Dulatov is set to make his return to the Octagon against Wellington Turman at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25. The middleweight matchup adds another compelling bout to the card.
Islam Dulatov is set to return to the Octagon when he meets Wellington Turman in a middleweight contest at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25.
Dulatov, known as "The Ripper," enters the bout carrying a 12-1-0 record and represents one of the more explosive presences in the 185-pound division. The 27-year-old German fighter, who trains out of Triple One Gym, stands six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. His striking output is exceptional, averaging 8.78 significant strikes landed per minute at a 54 percent accuracy rate — numbers that place him among the busiest and most precise hitters in the division. He also contributes on the mat, averaging 2.2 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Turman, nicknamed "The Prodigy," brings an 18-8-0 record and a wealth of experience to the matchup. The 29-year-old Brazilian, who trains at Teixeira MMA and Fitness, stands six feet tall with a 72-inch reach. He lands 3.23 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy and supplements his striking with a grappling game that produces 1.55 takedowns and 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Dulatov's high striking volume creates an immediate stylistic challenge for Turman, who will need to manage pressure and distance throughout
- Turman's submission threat and takedown ability could counter Dulatov's offensive output and force the fight into unfamiliar territory for "The Ripper"
- Both fighters sit in a middleweight division where a strong performance can rapidly accelerate a climb toward the ranked positions
- The bout adds significant competitive weight to what is shaping up as a loaded UFC Abu Dhabi card
