Wellington Turman Discusses History of Surgeries Ahead of Comeback

Wellington Turman has been out of competition in MMA since December of 2023. That night, Turman (18-8 MMA, 3-6 UFC) was on the losing end of a second-round submission by way of rear-naked choke from Jared Gooden (23-12 MMA, 2-5 UFC.)

This was Turman's third loss in a row. This Saturday, he'll make his return to competition in the main card of UFC Abu Dhabi, seen live in the United States on Paramount Plus at 12 noon ET/ 9 am PT. Islam Dulatov (12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC,) a 2024 graduate of Dana White's Contender Series on its old streaming home of ESPN+, serves as Turman's adversary in this three-round fight inside the Octagon from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Recently, the returning Wellington Turman spoke to MMA Fighting about the long and winding road toward his return to fighting this weekend on Yas Island.

Wellington Turman on Past Surgeries, Delay of Return

In the interview, Wellington Turman explained why his hiatus from fighting has been so long.

"I spent a long time undergoing surgeries," Wellington Turman began. "I had four surgeries in total. Two of them didn't go well, so I had to have them redone."

After being submitted by Jared Gooden in the fall of 2023, Turman sustained an injury to his shoulder and required surgery. An infection on his right shoulder necessitated more immediate attention ahead of a procedure on the left shoulder.

Subsequent to the initial surgery, the operation on his left shoulder took place, but it proved unsuccessful due to a dislocated bone.

Wellington Turman Delighted to Return After Lengthy Hiatus

With the procedures now complete, Wellington Turman was booked for a spot on the July 25 UFC Fight Night against Islam Dulatov. He mentioned what it was like being away from the Octagon after more than two and a half years.

"It was a tough time, very difficult to be away from doing what I love and from my job," Turman continued. "We're finally back and I'm really happy to be here again."

Wellington Turman on Saturday Fight vs. Islam Dulatov

Heading into Saturday's contest matching Wellington Turman with Islam Dulatov in Abu Dhabi, the latter has gotten his hand raised in victory five times in succession. Upon losing his professional MMA debut to Gjoni Pakolaj (13-4 MMA) in September of 2019, Dulatov has secured 12 straight victories.

Ahead of the fight, Turman talked about his upcoming opponent inside the cage.

"He's a very tough opponent, like everyone in the UFC," he said of Islam Dulatov. "There are no easy fights here. Everyone is legit."

Aside from MMA, Islam Dulatov had a second career, modeling for Versace. Turman says that his opponent's livelihood as a model helps Dulatov's status as a household name.

"He's a guy with a lot of hype around him and is already well-known for his second career," he continued. "I think it's a great fight for my return and a chance to show that I belong in the UFC and deserve to stay in the UFC."