From the ramps to the Octagon, Islam Dulatov just proved he’s built different. Once a model for elite brands like Versace, Dulatov made his UFC debut at UFC 318 against Adam Fugitt, and it couldn’t have gone better. He silenced the doubters with a brutal first-round knockout, showing the world that his jawline isn’t the only dangerous thing about him. But in the heat of adrenaline and glory, Dulatov may have made a reckless move—one that could cost him his entire career.
After his remarkable victory at UFC 318, the model-turned-fighter sat down with the media to discuss his plans. Amid the plethora of questions coming his way, one reporter asked him about his hand, having seen it in a cast just days before the fight. Responding to the question, Dulatov stated, “I think I broke my thumb last week in the sparring already, you know. And yeah, in this fight, I gave an uppercut and had some… I don’t know what it is now. I have to check it. But yeah.”
When the reporter asked whether the injury was painful, Dulatov stated, “It’s okay. I mean, Sean talked to me. I told him I can fight next week. So yeah. Is it, uh, is it a bit scary when you’re, you know, waiting so long for the debut and then you suffer an injury like a week out?” Dulatov certainly took a big risk taking the fight on a broken thumb, as things could have gone south pretty quickly if he had not been so vigilant about it.
Islam Dulatov isn’t here to just look good after a #UFC318 debut knockout – he wants to become welterweight champion. pic.twitter.com/1YDn2nil3m
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) July 20, 2025
Interestingly, the model-turned-fighter is planning to take the 170 lbs UFC gold sooner or later. In the same conversation, Dulatov expressed his willingness to fight for the title, “I want to take my time for this, you know. I mean, I’ve grown up, I’ve made big steps from each fight, and, um, you know, actually, it will take as long as it takes. I mean, I waited so long for this opportunity to fight in the UFC. I mean, now two more years or something like that, you know, it will not change anything. I want to fight for the title when I’m in my prime, and, uh, yeah, we will get there soon.
(More to follow…)
The post Versace Model Islam Dulatov Risks Career by Fighting With Injury as He Eyes 170-Lbs Belt After UFC 318 Highlight Finish appeared first on EssentiallySports.