"The Ripper" strikes again: Islam Dulatov delivers brilliant performance in UFC debut

Passed the test: Islam Dulatov fulfills his potential in his UFC debut. With an impressive series of early victories, the Düsseldorf native has now arrived on the biggest stage in combat sports.

Düsseldorf-based MMA fighter Islam Dulatov mastered his Ultimate Championship debut with flying colors. The 26-year-old defeated American Adam Fugitt by first-round technical knockout at UFC 318 in New Orleans.

Dulatov described his opponent as a "test" in an interview with ntv.de. The American welterweight fighter had already competed four times in the UFC before the clash. "Others face much easier opponents to start with," he said. "Plus, I'm on a big fight card. The UFC sees great potential in me and says: This guy can become a star if he passes the tests. Fugitt is such a test. This fight could be a door opener for me."

Dulatov earned his UFC contract with a victory at the Dana White Contender Series, and "The Ripper," as the Düsseldorf native is nicknamed, wanted to maintain his streak of early victories against Fugitt. Dulatov, born in Chechnya, quickly developed a feel for the right reach. He repeatedly landed his right straight when the somewhat shorter Fugitt moved forward.

The American wanted to make his mark in the clinch, but Dulatov defended himself excellently. The German fighter skillfully extricated himself from both situations. Even after receiving a kick to the leg and briefly losing his balance, he landed a straight punch on Fugitt while he was still falling. With just under 90 seconds left in the first round, Dulatov caught his opponent with a left hook. Fugitt went down. After two more strikes from the UFC debutant, the referee intervened, and Dulatov was declared the winner.

"I said before that I can fight with my head. But I'll always go for the knockout. 12 fights, 12 finishes. Here we are!" said the Düsseldorf native. The former model has a photo shoot next week. Dulatov asked the audience about his appearance, whether he could do the job—knowing that he left the fight unscathed.