UFC 318: Adam Fugitt vs Islam Dulatov

Islam Dulatov made a spectacular UFC debut at UFC 318 on Saturday, July 19, 2025, delivering a highlight-reel first-round knockout over Adam Fugitt. From the outset, Dulatov controlled the pace with sharp straight rights and well-placed body kicks, keeping Fugitt on the defensive. Fugitt managed to secure a single-leg takedown midway through the round, but Dulatov quickly escaped with ease and reset in the center. Moments later, Dulatov timed a perfect check left hook that dropped Fugitt flat, followed by a few hammerfists that forced the referee to stop the fight at 4:06 of Round 1.

The key highlights of the fight were Dulatov’s superior striking from range, his clean takedown defense, and the devastating precision of the knockout. Fugitt tried to bring the fight to the ground but failed to maintain control, while Dulatov displayed calm footwork and fast hands throughout. The fight-ending combination was clinical—an example of perfect timing and fight IQ. Dulatov didn’t just win—he made a loud statement in his first UFC appearance.

Statistically, Dulatov outlanded Fugitt in significant strikes, connecting with 8–10 clean shots including his kicks and punches, while Fugitt struggled to find openings. The lone takedown from Fugitt had no lasting impact, and the finish came swiftly after Dulatov returned to his feet. With this performance, Dulatov improved his record to 12–1 with all of his wins coming by finish, while Fugitt dropped to 10–5 overall.

After the fight, Dulatov delivered one of the most confident post-fight interviews of the night. “I told you I always go for a KO. Twelve fights, twelve finishes,” he declared. He joked with Daniel Cormier about looking too good to get hit, referencing his modeling background and a scheduled GQ photoshoot just two days later. “I can do that modeling job, for sure,” he added with a grin. With equal parts violence and charisma, Dulatov introduced himself as a legitimate threat—and personality—to watch in the welterweight division.