Islam Dulatov vs Wellington Turman booked for UFC Abu Dhabi July 25

Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman have been booked for a middleweight clash at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25, adding a striking matchup to what is shaping up to be a strong card.

Dulatov, known as "The Ripper," enters the fight as one of the more explosive strikers in the 185-pound division. The 27-year-old German prospect fights out of Triple One Gym and carries a 12-1-0 record into the bout. At six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach, he presents a difficult physical puzzle for any opponent. His striking volume stands out in particular — he lands 8.78 significant strikes per minute, one of the higher rates in the division, and does so at a 54 percent accuracy clip. He also averages 2.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, giving him a credible threat on the ground despite recording no submission attempts.

Turman, nicknamed "The Prodigy," brings experience and a well-rounded game to the matchup. The 29-year-old Brazilian trains out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness and holds an 18-8-0 record. He stands six feet tall with a 72-inch reach and fights from an orthodox stance. Turman averages 3.23 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy and adds a grappling dimension with 1.55 takedowns and 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Dulatov's striking volume is among the highest in the middleweight division, making his output a serious test for Turman's durability
• Turman's submission threat offers a potential path to victory if he can close the reach gap and take the fight to the mat
• A win for either fighter would strengthen a middleweight division that remains wide open below the championship level
• The size and reach advantage clearly favors Dulatov, setting up an intriguing distance management battle