UFC Abu Dhabi loses fight hours before event - MMA Fighting

What the report says

MMA Fighting reported that UFC Abu Dhabi lost a scheduled main-card bout only hours before Saturday’s event, with Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman removed from the lineup. The UFC said Dulatov was unable to compete in the welterweight fight because of an illness, leaving the Fight Night card with 12 bouts.

According to the report, a statement shared on Dulatov’s social media said he was taken to a hospital Friday night with an infection and received medical care for several hours. His team said the withdrawal was made with the UFC and prioritized the fighter’s health. The statement added that Dulatov would focus on recovering before addressing fans when able.

The cancellation was also significant for Turman, who MMA Fighting noted had been set to return after roughly two and a half years out of competition, a period linked to four shoulder surgeries. Turman said on social media that he wished Dulatov a quick recovery and hoped for a quick rebooking, either against Dulatov or another opponent.

As of MMA Fighting’s report, the UFC had not said whether another bout would be elevated to the main card. The updated card was still headlined by Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov, with Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov also listed among the remaining main-card fights. Late medical cancellations are a recurring risk in combat sports because fighters must be cleared close to event time, and a removal can affect bout order, broadcast planning and an opponent’s return timeline.