12-1 UFC Abu Dhabi star would refuse to fight Islam Makhachev because of ‘politics’

One rising UFC welterweight prospect is already ruling out fighting his division’s champion.

Islam Dulatov has cemented himself as some of the promising up-and-comers in MMA, having delivered two brutal knockouts in front of UFC audiences.

The Versace-model-turned UFC fighter earned his contract with an elbow KO on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024. Last yr, on the undercard of Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight in Louisiana, ‘The Ripper’ finished Adam Fugitt to finish his debut in a single round.

Many are predicting a quick surge up the ladder at 170 kilos for the 27-year-old. But Dulatov will probably be hoping that his planned rise into title contention takes long enough for Islam Makhachev to have vacated the throne.

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UFC Abu Dhabi’s Islam Dulatov would reject Chechnya vs Dagestan fight against Islam Makhachev

Over a yr after his last appearance, Dulatov will look to deliver a reminder of his potential at Saturday’s UFC Abu Dhabi event, where ‘The Ripper’ will probably be fighting Wellington Turman.

After flying the German flag upon his UFC signing, Dulatov will probably be representing Turkey starting this weekend.

He was born in Chechnya, a federal republic of Russia that neighbors one other in Dagestan. That region is where the present UFC welterweight champ hails from, which is enough for Dulatov to rule out ever sharing the cage with him.

“No way. No,” Dulatov said at UFC Abu Dhabi media day when asked if he would fight Makhachev.

“We don’t know one another, but I met Khabib (Nurmagomedov) one time. These individuals are for me like, big brothers. Islam vs Islam, I believe it’s not so nice.

“He’s from Dagestan, I’m from Chechnya,” Dulatov continued. “There would even be quite a lot of political stuff if two guys named Islam would fight against one another.

“But anyway, he’s champion and I’m just in the beginning of my profession. It doesn’t make sense to even speak about this. But no, it isn’t a fight I might ever be enthusiastic about.”

While Dulatov prepares for his return on July 25, the welterweight king isn’t far-off from his own next fight.

For his first title defense at 170 kilos, Makhachev will face Ian Machado Garry within the important event of UFC 330 on August 15.