Surging UFC Welterweight Rejects Potential Fight With Islam Makhachev Over “Dagestan vs. Chechnya” Concerns

 Unlike most rising contenders who have their eyes set on the king on top of the castle in their respective divisions, Islam Dulatov appears to see things differently.

The undefeated momentum behind the hard-hitting welterweight has many predicting a rapid ascent through the division, yet there is one matchup he has no interest in chasing. Long before he is in the championship conversation, Dulatov has already ruled out a future fight with UFC pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev, citing reasons that extend far beyond rankings, belts, or career ambitions.

Islam Dulatov Explains Why He Would Never Fight Islam Makhachev

Just two bouts in the UFC, Dulatov has quickly become one of the promotion’s brightest welterweight prospects. After earning a contract with a devastating elbow knockout on Dana White's Contender Series in 2024, the former Versace model carried that momentum into the promotion by stopping Adam Fugitt in the opening round of his UFC debut at UFC 318. 

With 12 professional victories, 11 of them coming inside the first round, the 27-year-old dubbed “The Ripper” has built a reputation as one of the division's most dangerous finishers.

As he prepared to return against Wellington Turman at UFC Abu Dhabi before the fight's 11th-hour postponement, talk has naturally shifted toward his future trajectory in the welterweight division. When asked during the event's media day whether he could ever see himself sharing the Octagon with current welterweight champion Makhachev, Dulatov answered without hesitation.

"No way. No." He went on to explain that the decision had little to do with competitive concerns. He added. "We don't know each other, but I met Khabib (Nurmagomedov) one time. These people are for me like, big brothers. Islam vs Islam, I think it's not so nice."

Islam Dulatov on Macro-Scale Ramifications of Makhachev Pairing

The phenom also pointed to the regional and political sensitivities surrounding such a matchup. Born in Chechnya, while Makhachev hails from neighboring Dagestan, the 27-year-old believes a fight between the two would inevitably carry larger implications beyond sport.

"He's from Dagestan, I'm from Chechnya. There would also be a lot of political stuff if two guys named Islam would fight against each other." In addition, he also acknowledged that the conversation remains hypothetical, with the Dagestani firmly established as champion while Dulatov is only beginning his UFC journey.

"But anyway, he is champion and I am just at the beginning of my career. It doesn't make sense to even talk about this. But no, it is not a fight I would ever be interested in."

Ironically, the timing may mean the issue never arises. Makhachev is set to make the first defense of his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, while Dulatov is still looking to establish himself among the division's contenders.

Dulatov’s Turkish Debut Put on Hold After UFC Abu Dhabi Withdrawal

Saturday, July 25, was supposed to mark more than just Dulatov's long-awaited return to the Octagon. It was set to be the beginning of a new chapter in his career, with the surging welterweight preparing to compete under the Turkish flag for the first time after officially obtaining Turkish citizenship.

Born in Chechnya and raised in Germany, Dulatov had previously represented Germany throughout his MMA career. Earlier this week, however, he announced that he would now fight for Turkey, describing the decision as one of the proudest moments of his life.

The welterweight also publicly thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askın Bak, saying their support played a major role in his decision to change his sporting nationality.

Everything appeared to be in place for an emotional debut under his new flag. Dulatov had spoken about drawing strength from the support of the Turkish people as he prepared to face Wellington Turman at UFC Abu Dhabi.

Instead, those plans were halted at the eleventh hour. Just hours before the event, the UFC announced that Dulatov had been forced out of the bout due to illness, resulting in the cancellation of his scheduled clash with Turman.

A Return Delayed on Both Sides

The setback also extends what has already been a lengthy spell away from competition. Dulatov had previously revealed that personal family matters and his observance of Ramadan contributed to his year-long absence from the Octagon. 

Now, illness has delayed his comeback once again and with it, the opportunity to make his first walk as a Turkish representative.