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Islam Dulatov, a 27-year-old mixed martial arts fighter born in Chechnya and raised in Germany, has acquired Turkish citizenship and will compete under the Turkish flag for the first time when he steps into the octagon in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Dulatov, who fights in the UFC's welterweight division and trains out of Düsseldorf, previously represented Germany in his UFC appearances.
He announced the change of nationality this week, citing the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak as central to his decision.
"Fighting for Türkiye is a great honor for me," Dulatov said. "Carrying this flag on my shoulders is a greater source of pride than anything else."
In his public statement, Dulatov extended personal thanks to the country's top officials for the trust placed in him.
"I sincerely thank President Erdogan and Minister Bak for their confidence and support," he said, framing the citizenship as both a personal milestone and a sporting commitment.
His fight against Brazilian Wellington Turman at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, part of UFC Fight Night 282, will mark his competitive debut representing Türkiye. "On Saturday in Abu Dhabi, I will enter the cage under the Turkish flag," Dulatov said.
"Feeling the prayers and support of the Turkish people behind me will give me great strength. God willing, we will share the joy of victory together."
Dulatov carries a professional record of 12 wins and one loss into Saturday's bout, with eight victories by knockout and four by submission.
Eleven of his 12 wins have come in the opening round, a finishing rate that places him among the more dangerous welterweights in the promotion.
He made his UFC debut at UFC 318 in New Orleans in July 2025, stopping Adam Fugitt by knockout in four minutes and six seconds of the first round, a performance that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
The win set the stage for a much-anticipated return against Turman, though personal and religious obligations, including an observance of Ramadan, delayed his second octagon appearance by a full year.
"The most important reason is that it was Ramadan," he said earlier this week. "And before that, it was something personal with my family. But now we're back, everything is fixed, so let's do it."
Dulatov was born on August 2, 1998, in Urus-Martan, Chechnya, and relocated to Germany with his family at a young age. He began boxing at 14 and transitioned to MMA at 18, turning professional in 2019. His path to the UFC ran through Dana White's Contender Series, where he knocked out Vanilto Antunes with a standing elbow in the first round in October 2024 to earn a contract. Standing 1.90 meters tall, he trains at Triple One Gym in Düsseldorf, a facility he co-owns with his brothers.
Saturday's card at the Etihad Arena is headlined by the light heavyweight contest between Magomed Ankalaev and Khalil Rountree Jr. The Dulatov-Turman welterweight bout is scheduled for three rounds.
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