A compelling welterweight matchup unfolds on the UFC 318 prelims as veteran Adam Fugitt welcomes German prospect Islam Dulatov to the Octagon on July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. With one fighter looking to make a splashy UFC debut and the other aiming to build momentum late in his career, this bout is a true clash of experience versus hype.

Adam Fugitt

Adam Fugitt is a 36-year-old UFC veteran with a 10–4 record who has quietly put together solid performances in the promotion despite mixed results. With a strong frame for the division (6'1"), he brings a well-rounded skill set including sharp elbows, good clinch control, and finishing power. Fugitt is coming off a hard-fought split decision win over Josh Quinlan in June 2024, showing improved composure and cardio.

He has finishing ability (5 KO/TKOs, 3 submissions), but durability has been a concern, he’s been stopped in 3 of his 4 losses. When he’s able to dictate pace and engage in grinding exchanges, he thrives. But if overwhelmed early or caught in transitions, Fugitt has historically struggled to recover.

Adam Fugitt – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Josh Quinlan – Decision (Split) (UFC on ESPN 58, June 15, 2024)
2. Loss vs. Mike Malott – Submission (Guillotine Choke) (UFC 289, June 10, 2023)
3. Win vs. Yusaku Kinoshita – TKO (Elbows) (UFC FN 218, February 4, 2023)
4. Loss vs. Michael Morales – TKO (Punches) (UFC 277, July 30, 2022)
5. Win vs. Solomon Renfro – TKO (Punches) (LFA 125, February 25, 2022)

Islam Dulatov

Islam Dulatov is an undefeated knockout artist and submission threat with an 11–1 record, his only loss coming in his 2019 professional debut. Since then, the German standout has finished 11 consecutive opponents, with 7 knockouts and 4 submissions, all inside the first round. His fast rise through European promotions like Oktagon and Brave CF led to a dominant finish on Dana White’s Contender Series in October 2024, where he stopped Vanilton Antunes with a vicious elbow.

Dulatov blends explosive athleticism, high-level muay thai, and slick submission skills. At just 26 years old, he is entering the UFC with a ton of momentum and a reputation for being a finisher from anywhere. This debut will test whether his high-paced style can hold up against a durable, gritty opponent with UFC experience.

Islam Dulatov – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Vanilton Antunes – KO (Elbow) (DWCS 71, October 8, 2024)
2. Win vs. Ioannis Palaiologos – TKO (Knee to the Body) (Oktagon 53, February 7, 2024)
3. Win vs. Will Chope – TKO (Punches) (Sparta CF 3, October 7, 2023)
4. Win vs. Patrick Spirk – Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) (Sparta CF 2, March 11, 2023)
5. Win vs. Kleverson Cruz da Silva – TKO (Punches) (Brave CF 61, August 6, 2022)

Prediction

This is a classic “prospect vs. gatekeeper” fight. Fugitt brings UFC-tested grit and an underrated offensive arsenal, but he’s struggled when pressured early by faster, more explosive fighters. That’s exactly the profile of Islam Dulatov, who has finished every one of his 11 wins in the first round.

If Fugitt can survive the early onslaught and drag the fight into the second or third round, his experience could prove crucial. However, Dulatov’s finishing instincts, speed, and varied offense are a serious threat to Fugitt’s suspect defense, especially in striking exchanges.

Prediction:
Islam Dulatov def. Adam Fugitt via TKO (Punches) in Round 1

Expect Dulatov to come out aggressively, overwhelm Fugitt with a flurry of combinations, and notch a high-impact finish in his UFC debut.