Islam Dulatov proved this weekend that he excels in both the octagon and in front of the camera. The Contender Series winner made his highly anticipated UFC debut at UFC 318, defeating opponent Adam Fugitt with a spectacular knockout that left fans buzzing.
Dulatov, who moonlights as a professional model with prestigious fashion house Versace, showed no signs of ring rust despite having his February debut postponed. From the opening bell, the welterweight newcomer commanded the center of the octagon with the same confidence he displays on fashion runways.
“I’ll be ready to go to work at my other job on Monday,” Dulatov casually told commentator Daniel Cormier in his post-victory interview, referring to his scheduled modeling photoshoot. The revelation surprised many fans who were unaware of the contender’s double life in the high-fashion world.
Inside the octagon, Dulatov’s performance was nothing short of masterful. He dictated the pace with precision striking, landing sharp straight rights and strategic leg kicks against the backpedaling Fugitt. When his opponent attempted to change momentum with takedown attempts, Dulatov demonstrated excellent defensive technique, securing underhooks and maintaining his dominant position.
The defining moment came at 4:06 of the first round when Dulatov connected with a perfectly timed check left hook that sent Fugitt crashing to the canvas. A few follow-up shots later, the referee had seen enough, awarding Dulatov his first UFC victory by knockout.
What makes this victory even more remarkable is that Dulatov emerged completely unscathed from the encounter. With no visible damage to his face – surely a relief to his modeling agency – he’ll seamlessly transition back to his fashion career without missing a beat.
Dulatov’s win improves his professional record to an impressive streak of victories since his lone loss in his 2019 debut. Meanwhile, Fugitt falls to 2-3 in the UFC despite coming into the bout off a win against Josh Quinlan.
Whether throwing hooks in the octagon or striking poses for camera flashes, fans are certainly keeping an eye out for Dulatov.
