Story perspectives

Islam Dulatov Withdraws from UFC Abu Dhabi Bout Over Infection

7/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Islam Dulatov withdrew from his welterweight main-card bout against Wellington Turman at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 2026 because he was hospitalized with an infection.
UFC announced the cancellation hours before the 9:00 a.m. ET start.
The revised card now features 12 fights, including main-card matchups Ankalaev vs. Guskov and four other bouts.
Turman, returning after a three-year layoff due to shoulder surgeries, wished Dulatov a quick recovery and hoped for a rebook.

History

Historical Context

The UFC’s first event on 12 Nov 1993 in Denver, organized by Rorion Gracie and Art Davie, featured an eight-man, $50,000-prize tournament that introduced the octagon and “no-holds-barred” format. That early emphasis on open-weight match-ups and ad-hoc line-ups taught promoters to keep rosters fluid, a practice that allowed the July 25 2026 Abu Dhabi card to be re-shuffled after Islam Dulatov’s infection forced his withdrawal.

1 of 2

Story summary

Islam Dulatov withdrew from his welterweight main-card bout against Wellington Turman at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 2026 because he was hospitalized with an infection.
UFC announced the cancellation hours before the 9:00 a.m. ET start.
The revised card now features 12 fights, including main-card matchups Ankalaev vs. Guskov and four other bouts.
Turman, returning after a three-year layoff due to shoulder surgeries, wished Dulatov a quick recovery and hoped for a rebook.

1 / 2