UFC Abu Dhabi Cancels 1 Main-Card Bout, Cutting Event to 12 Fights
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 25
UFC Abu Dhabi Cancels 1 Main-Card Bout, Cutting Event to 12 Fights
3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 25
Summary
Hours before Saturday’s start, UFC Abu Dhabi scrapped the welterweight bout between Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman, leaving the Fight Night card with 12 fights.
Dulatov withdrew after an illness: his team said he was hospitalized Friday with an infection, received several hours of treatment, and agreed with the UFC to pull out for health reasons.
Wellington Turman, returning after a 2 1/2-year layoff caused by four shoulder surgeries, said he hopes Dulatov recovers quickly and wants either the matchup rebooked or a replacement opponent.
The UFC had not said whether another fight would be elevated to the main card, which now lists Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov among five scheduled bouts.
After enduring four surgeries and visa woes, will Wellington Turman's heartbreaking last-minute cancellation destroy his agonizing UFC comeback attempt?
With severe infections dismantling the UFC Abu Dhabi lineup, what hidden medical dangers are striking elite fighters before they even reach the octagon?