Islam Dulatov has been pulled from his scheduled UFC Abu Dhabi fight after being hospitalized overnight due to an infection that required several hours of medical treatment. His team confirmed the withdrawal was made jointly with the UFC in the interest of his health and well-being. Dulatov is expected to issue a personal statement once he has recovered, with his team pledging he will return stronger.
Islam Dulatov has been forced out of his scheduled UFC Abu Dhabi bout after being hospitalized overnight with an infection that required several hours of medical treatment, his team confirmed on July 25, 2026.
Dulatov, known as "The Ripper," is a 27-year-old orthodox striker out of Germany who trains at Triple One Gym. He carries a 12-1-0 professional record and has built a reputation as one of the more dangerous strikers on the UFC roster, averaging an impressive 8.78 significant strikes landed per minute with a striking accuracy of 54 percent. Standing six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach, he also contributes on the ground, averaging 2.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. The infection that put him in hospital forced a swift decision, with his team and the UFC jointly agreeing to withdraw him from the card in the interest of his health.
His opponent's status for UFC Abu Dhabi has not been addressed in the team's announcement.
Why it matters
- Dulatov is one of the more prominent young fighters in his division, and his absence leaves a notable gap on the Abu Dhabi card.
- The joint withdrawal signals a cooperative relationship between his management and the UFC, suggesting no contractual complications around a rescheduled bout.
- At 27 with a 12-1 record and elite striking output, Dulatov's return timeline will be closely watched by divisional contenders.
Dulatov's team indicated he is expected to release a personal statement once he has fully recovered, and pledged he will come back stronger from the setback.
