UFC 318 Rookie Report Card: A Brutal KO From Mr. Versace

Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC

You only get one Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut!

And only one athlete debuted in “The Big Easy” last night (Sat., July 19, 2025) at UFC 318 inside Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, but it was a memorable one

Now that the dust has settled, let’s grade his super short-notice performance below:

Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC

Islam Dulatov

Islam Dulatov was the last fighter from Season 8 of the Contender Series to make his UFC debut, but it was worth the wait. He showcased his devastating striking, styling on Adam Fugitt

and eventually knocking him out with a precise check left hook followed by relentless ground-and-pound (watch highlights).

In just four minutes, Dulatov displayed crisp boxing, seemingly unable to miss Fugitt’s head with his right hand. Alongside his boxing, he unleashed his signature knees, which he uses frequently—whether it’s a step-in knee or a clinch knee.

Dulatov’s takedown defense was equally impressive, proving impenetrable against Fugitt’s attempts.

The only blemish was a moment of overreaching on a punch, which left him vulnerable to a hard low kick that briefly disrupted his balance. If this is the sole critique, his performance was near flawless.

Yes, Dulatov was the biggest favorite on the card, and though Fugitt has proven durable—taking Michael Morales three rounds to stop him—Dulatov finished him in just four minutes.

Questions linger about Dulatov’s stamina, as all but one of his victories have come in the first round. Until an opponent can weather his early onslaught and push him into deeper waters, his endurance remains untested.

Final Grade: A+

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For complete UFC 318 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.

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