Like the PFL Washington D.C. card it shares the spotlight with this weekend, UFC Abu Dhabi’s main card took a hit hours leading up to the event.
Islam Dulatov, who was scheduled to compete against Wellington Turman, has withdrawn from the event due to illness. The UFC first announced the development online before confirming the news at the start of the UFC Abu Dhabi broadcast.
As a result, the card will proceed with 12 bouts.
The lightweight contest between Magomed Zaynukov and Damian Rzepecki has been promoted from the prelims to the main card, taking Dulatov vs. Turman’s planned spot before the co-main event.
Dulatov has won 12 straight since dropping his professional MMA debut. After a first-round knockout of Vanilton Antunes on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024, he had a successful UFC debut last year, scoring a first-round finish of Adam Fugitt at UFC 318.
This was to be Turman’s first bout in over two years, having last fought at UFC Austin in December 2023, losing to Jared Gooden. Turman has lost three straight.
It is unknown if Dulatov vs. Turman will be re-booked for a card in the near future.
