German MMA prospect Islam Dulatov is set to make his highly anticipated UFC debut against American veteran Adam Fugitt at a major pay-per-view event in New Orleans. Representing a small contingent of German athletes in the sport’s premier organization, the Düsseldorf-based fighter brings an unblemished record of 11 wins, all secured by way of stoppage, into the octagon.
Despite the high-stakes environment, the 26-year-old insists he will not alter the aggressive, finish-oriented style that earned him his contract. “I will approach the fight more deliberately, be more relaxed and calm,” Dulatov stated, but affirmed he would maintain his signature aggression. “I’m not going to dance around with my opponent for three rounds trying to win by points. I don’t go for decision victories; that makes you unpopular.”
Dulatov’s path to the UFC was solidified last October with a first-round knockout of Vanilto Antunes on Dana White’s Contender Series. However, his official debut is far from typical for a newcomer. He faces Fugitt (10-4), who already has four UFC fights under his belt, and has been placed on a major event card. “He’s a solid guy,” noted Dulatov. “He’s not the worst, but he’s not a champion either. Something in between. But definitely someone I have to get past.”
The Chechnya-born athlete views this challenging assignment as a vote of confidence from the organization. “For me, it’s a form of appreciation,” he said. “Other fighters get much easier opponents to start. The UFC sees great potential in me; they think this kid can become a star if he passes the tests. Fugitt is one of those tests. This fight can be a door opener for me.”
To rise to the occasion, Dulatov has invested heavily in what he calls the “best preparation of his life,” training for months at the renowned American Top Team gym alongside elite fighters like Marvin Vettori, Abus Magomedov, and Johnny Eblen. His commitment extends beyond the gym; rather than staying in the UFC-provided hotel, Dulatov has rented a private house for himself and his team in Louisiana, an expense funded by his business ventures in Germany, including a fashion brand. “I have a lot to thank my other ventures for,” he admitted. “Doing this with fight purses alone wouldn’t be possible.”
Currently focused entirely on the fight, Dulatov admits the reality of his achievement has yet to fully sink in. “I’m not picking up on much of the euphoria from Germany here,” he explained. “I’m fully focused on the fight. It will all truly sink in after my victory.”
This self-assurance is one of his greatest assets. “I’ve always been mentally strong,” Dulatov stated, emphasizing that while many talk about finishing fights, he consistently delivers. “I keep proving to myself that I have what it takes. Of course, I can’t see the future and guarantee it will happen every time, but I can always give it my all.”
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