UFC prospect Islam Dulatov sees MMA career as more important than runway modeling
NEW ORLEANS – Islam Dulatov let the world know what his priority is.
Despite being a successful runway model for top brands such as Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, and Hugo Boss, Dulatov (12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) wants to focus on a different stage and bright lights. The welterweight prospect said his UFC career will now take priority over modeling following his successful debut.
"I have some shoots coming up and all this stuff, a lot of things coming up, but for me, it's more important what's next for me in the UFC," Dulatov said to MMA Junkie and other reporters backstage after UFC 318. "I'll go back to the gym, start a fight camp again and fight someone again."
Dulatov made his UFC debut Saturday at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans when he knocked out Adam Fugitt (10-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC) in the first round of their contest and won a $50,000 Performance of the Night award for his efforts.
"I think it doesn't compare to reality because it's better than what I had in mind," Dulatov said. "It's an unbelievable feeling, really. I trained so hard for this. Almost over 10 years of my life, so yeah."
Dulatov promises to be a serious threat at 170 pounds. However, he wants to take his time on his way up the ladder and doesn't want to rush anything now that he's made it to the UFC.
"I'll be honest with you guys, I want to take my time for this," Dulatov said. "I made big steps in each fight, and it will take as long as it takes. I waited so long for this opportunity to fight in the UFC, two years or something like that. I want to fight for the title. I'm on my prime, and we'll get there soon."
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