Islam Dulatov is one of the most dangerous young fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight division. He comes into this bout with a 12-1 record and a 12-fight winning streak, all of them inside the distance: eight by knockout and four by submission.
Islam Dulatov
Dulatov's main weapon is his powerful and varied striking. At 6'3", he makes good use of his size advantage, controlling the distance with his jab and meeting opponents with knees and hooks. He does not simply apply pressure; he waits for the right moment to land clean, telling shots.
In this fight Dulatov is likely to take the initiative, occupy the centre of the octagon and set a high pace. He will try to keep his opponent at range, break him down with the jab and catch him with counter strikes whenever he attempts to close the distance.
Dulatov manages distance well and can stop a takedown entry with a knee or a series of strikes. In his previous bout he showed that he can defend takedowns and quickly punish an opponent for unsuccessful wrestling attempts.
Wellington Turman
Wellington Turman is an experienced Brazilian fighter with an 18-8 record. He has had nine bouts in the Ultimate Fighting Championship but has won only three of them. He goes into the meeting with Dulatov on a three-fight losing streak.
Turman prefers to work in the clinch and on the ground. Eight of his 18 wins have come by submission, with another four by knockout. He is capable of completing takedowns, controlling his opponent from top position and transitioning to joint locks or chokes. He does not like to stay in striking exchanges for long, as his boxing is clearly weak compared with many of the division's solid mid-level fighters. An important factor is that he is returning from a three-year lay-off for this bout against Dulatov.
In the upcoming fight Turman will probably look to close the distance and take the contest to the ground. He will try to avoid prolonged striking exchanges, get into the clinch by the fence and impose his grappling. His main plan is to wear his opponent down and try to capitalise on a mistake on the ground.
Turman is significantly inferior to his opponent in height, reach and speed. To give himself a chance of winning he will have to shorten the distance, enter the clinch and try to take the fight to the ground, but it is during these entries that he may run into a heavy counter punch.
Islam Dulatov vs Wellington Turman Prediction
Most likely Islam will take the centre of the octagon from the opening minutes and start to put pressure on his opponent. Turman may survive several dangerous moments thanks to his experience, but it will be difficult for him to avoid heavy shots over the full distance. Dulatov is capable of finishing the bout either on the feet or by stopping Turman on the ground.
