Rising welterweight prospect Islam Dulatov returns to the Octagon Saturday night, taking on Wellington Turman at UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov in Abu Dhabi.
Dulatov (12–1, 1–0 UFC) is back after flattening Adam Fugitt in the first round of his July 2025 promotional debut. Turman (18–8, 3–6 UFC) is returning after nearly three years away from the cage, aiming to snap a three-fight skid.
Dulatov enters as the heaviest favorite of the night with -1000 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. Turman is a +650 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 1.5 rounds.
Dulatov vs. Turman Preview
Islam Dulatov
- 12–1 (1–0 UFC)
- 8–0 (T)KO
- 4–0 SUB
After dropping a decision in his professional debut, Islam Dulatov has kept the judges out of it ever since. The Chechnya-born fighter has since won 12 straight bouts, all by finish. Also a model, he likes to take care of business quickly, as if to protect his face — 11 of those victories have come in the first round, including seven straight since 2022.
“The Ripper,” 27, blends explosive striking with a lethal ground game, bolstered by a towering 6-foot-3 frame. He put his one-shot power on full display against Vanilto Antunes on Dana White’s Contender Series before doing the exact same thing to Adam Fugitt in his July 2025 Octagon debut.
After a year away, Dulatov will be hunting another statement victory to continue his climb up the 170-pound ladder.
Wellington Turman
- 18–8 (3–6 UFC)
- 4–2 (T)KO
- 8–3 SUB
Wellington Turman is looking to flip the script on his UFC career. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist has been away from the sport for nearly three years, returning on a three-fight skid — without a win since 2022.
“The Prodigy,” 30, has struggled to live up to his billing inside the Octagon, with twice as many losses as wins and a handful of stoppage defeats. He’s also 0–2 since moving down to welterweight. While not impossible, Turman faces a daunting challenge in putting it all together after such a prolonged absence.
Dulatov vs. Turman Pick, Best Bet
Turman may enter Saturday night as the more experienced fighter, but his resume, more than anything, suggests he’s not equipped to handle UFC-level competition. And after this much time away, it seems incredibly unlikely that he shifts the narrative against an opponent as formidable as Dulatov.
“The Ripper” is a dangerous stoppage artist with eight career wins by first-round knockout or TKO, including his last four bouts. He should employ his considerable size advantage — three inches in height and reach — to march Turman down and secure a quick finish.
