Islam Dulatov is wasting no time setting big targets in the UFC welterweight division as he prepares for his next bout at UFC Fight Night 282.
The 27-year-old, who holds a 12-1 professional record and is 1-0 in the UFC, returns to action against Wellington Turman at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Dulatov is coming off a first-round finish over Adam Fugitt in his promotional debut and currently boasts a 100 percent finish rate.
"To be honest, between skills, I don't see a big difference between me and guys in the top five," Dulatov said, adding, "It's not a big difference skill-wise, just experience in the cage. This is the only thing which these guys have more than me is the cage experience. They all have 10 fights, 15 fights in the UFC. This is the only difference. I just need a couple more fights, and I will be there as well."
Dulatov outlined an aggressive schedule and clear championship ambitions. "The goal for the rest of this year would be to fight one more time minimum," he said. "For next year, it's definitely the belt. I'm now 27, so slowly, I'm coming in my prime. I need to finish these people, win the fights, and get this belt. That's the plan."
In addition to fighting, Dulatov is also a high-fashion runway model, but he plans to prioritize his MMA career as he pushes toward UFC title contention.
