UFC Abu Dhabi Suffers Last-Minute Blow After Fighter Is Rushed To Hospital Due To Illness
The UFC Abu Dhabi lineup has been altered at the last minute ahead of the event.
The UFC returns to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, today for another Fight Night event, headlined by a light heavyweight clash between former champion Magomed Ankalaev and surging contender Bogdan Guskov. In the co-main event, former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg takes on Ramazan Temirov.
All 26 fighters successfully made weight for the UFC Abu Dhabi card on Friday. However, the lineup has since been reduced to 12 fights after the welterweight matchup between Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman was scrapped. The UFC confirmed the cancellation on Saturday morning after “The Ripper” was hospitalized due to an infection.
In a statement released on Saturday morning, Dulatov’s management revealed that the 27-year-old was hospitalized on Friday after developing an undisclosed infection.
“Last night, Islam was admitted to the hospital due to an infection and spent several hours receiving medical treatment,” part of the statement read. “Despite every effort to keep the fight on, the decision was made together with the UFC to withdraw him from the bout in the interest of his health and well-being. Right now, the only priority is for Islam to make a full recovery. He will personally address everyone with a statement as soon as he is able.”
After earning a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in October 2024, Dulatov enjoyed a successful Octagon debut at UFC 318 in July 2025, stopping Adam Fugitt with a first-round knockout. “The Ripper” enters with an impressive 12-1 professional record, including eight victories by knockout and four by submission.
Meanwhile, Turman was set to make his long-awaited return to active competition at UFC Abu Dhabi after spending two and a half years in a hiatus, recovering from four shoulder surgeries.
“The Prodigy” last competed at UFC Austin in December 2023, where he was submitted by Jared Gooden. The 30-year-old Brazilian has endured a difficult run in the UFC, going 3-6 through nine Octagon appearances. He currently owns an 18-8 professional record.
Updated UFC Abu Dhabi Fight Card
Main Card
- Light Heavyweight – Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov
- Flyweight – Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov
- Lightweight –Magomed Zaynukov vs. Damian Rzepecki
- Heavyweight – Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune
- Welterweight – Abubakar Vagaev vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev
Preliminary Card
- Heavyweight – Valter Walker vs. Thomas Petersen
- Light Heavyweight – Dustin Jacoby vs. Muhammad Saidov
- Welterweight – Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Sam Patterson
- Lightweight – Ismael Bonfim vs. Axel Sola
- Light Heavyweight – Magomed Tuchalov vs. Brendson Ribeiro
- Lightweight – Nurullo Aliev vs. Mike Davis
- Bantamweight – Cody Gibson vs. Abdul Hussein
