Full Breakdown
UFC Abu Dhabi Fight Night Scrapped Main-Card Bout After Islam Dulatov’s Hospitalization
7/25/2026, 8:36:42 PM
Core Event
On July 25, 2026, the UFC announced that the welterweight matchup between Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman was removed from the UFC Fight Night card in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. The decision was made only hours before the event’s start after Dulatov was hospitalized with an infection. The promotion proceeded with a twelve-fight card, leaving the bout’s slot vacant.
Background & Context
Islam Dulatov entered the night with a 12-1 professional MMA record and a 1-0 UFC record, having earned his contract after a first-round knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series. Wellington Turman, a veteran of the organization since 2019, was slated to return after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus caused by four shoulder surgeries. Turman’s UFC record stood at 3-6, and the fight was billed as his comeback.
Data & Statistics
- Card size after cancellation: 12 fights (six on the main card, six on the prelims).
- Dulatov’s record: 12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC.
- Turman’s record: 18-8 MMA, 3-6 UFC.
- Remaining main-card matchups:
1. Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov (light heavyweight)
2. Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov (flyweight)
3. Magomed Zaynukov vs. Damian Rzepecki (featherweight)
4. Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune (heavyweight)
5. Abubakar Vagaev vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev (welterweight)
Official Statements & Responses
The UFC released a brief notice confirming Dulatov’s withdrawal due to illness and indicated that the bout would not be rescheduled for the night. Dulatov’s team posted on Instagram that he was admitted to the hospital on Friday night, received several hours of medical treatment, and that the decision to pull him from the fight was made jointly with the UFC to protect his health. The team added that Dulatov’s priority is a full recovery and that he will issue a personal statement when able. Turman also used his social-media channels to wish Dulatov a speedy recovery and expressed hope that the matchup could be rebooked or that he might receive a new opponent.
Why It Matters
The cancellation removed a featured welterweight contest from the card, reducing the number of main-card bouts and altering the event’s narrative. For Turman, the loss delayed his return to competition after a prolonged injury layoff, potentially affecting his momentum and earnings. For Dulatov, the hospitalization interrupts a rising trajectory that has positioned him as a top welterweight prospect. The UFC’s ability to adapt the card on short notice demonstrates operational flexibility but also highlights the vulnerability of fight cards to sudden medical issues.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the UFC confirmed the bout’s removal, no specific medical diagnosis was disclosed beyond a generic “infection.” Dulatov’s team did not elaborate on the severity or expected recovery timeline, and the promotion has not announced whether a replacement fight will be arranged for Turman or if the bout will be rescheduled for a future event. These omissions leave uncertainty about both fighters’ short-term plans.
What’s Next
As of the latest statements, the UFC has not identified a replacement opponent for Turman, nor has it set a date for a potential rescheduling of the Dulatov-Turman fight. Fans and stakeholders will await further communication from the promotion regarding any future match-making decisions involving the two welterweights.
