Welterweight prospect indicates he would never face Islam Makhachev in the UFC; understand why.

Makhachev celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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One of the great promises of the UFC welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), Islam Dulatov is starting to plan possible challenges in the future. Before facing Brazilian Wellington Turman at UFC Abu Dhabi , scheduled for next Saturday (25), the Chechen responded to whether he would accept a fight against the current champion of the category, Islam Makhachev , who has a title defense scheduled against Ian Garry at UFC 330 , on August 15.

In an interview with DAZN , Dulatov ruled out the possibility of facing Makhachev, explaining that, in addition to the troubled relationship between Chechnya and Dagestan, he believes a duel between two athletes with the same name would not make sense for his career at this time. According to the fighter, the confrontation could also take on a political dimension.

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“We don’t know each other. I met Khabib once, and these people are like older brothers to me. Islam versus Islam is not a legal fight. He’s from Dagestan, I’m from Chechnya. It would also become a political issue if two guys named Islam fought each other,” said Islam Dulatov.

“But anyway, he’s a champion. I’m still at the beginning of my career, so it doesn’t make sense to even talk about it now. But no, that will never be a fight that interests me,” added the fighter who will represent Turkey (VIDEO BELOW).

Following the statements, Dulatov reinforced his respect for Makhachev and the leading figures in Dagestan, but stressed that he intends to forge his own path within the organization. The Chechen believes he still needs to overcome certain stages before considering a confrontation with the current champion.

With an aggressive style and high expectations surrounding him, Islam Dulatov seeks to take another step towards the top of the welterweight division. The duel against Wellington Turman at UFC Abu Dhabi will be an opportunity for the promising fighter to prove that he can become one of the future protagonists of the division.

Watch the Chechen fighter's knockout in his UFC debut.

'The Ripper' has arrived 💪

Islam Dulatov looks to follow up his excellent debut with another knockout at #UFCAbuDhabi!

[ SAT JULY 25 | 12pmET on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/KXT2qSgpyl

— UFC (@ufc) July 23, 2026

Dulatov will represent Turkey at UFC Abu Dhabi

🇹🇷 Islam Dulatov Türk bayrağıyla yüzleşmede! @ssportplustr pic.twitter.com/95C2NIvd6M

— MMA 101 Türkiye (@MMA101Turkiye) July 24, 2026

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