Model Islam Dulatov Earns UFC Contract After DWCS KO
Islam Dulatov’s move from modeling into professional MMA reached a milestone on October 8, 2024, when he earned a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. His path has involved both fashion work and fighting, rather than a confirmed permanent break from modeling.
A Contract-Winning Finish
Dulatov stopped Vanilto Antunes with a first-round knockout at 2:44 on Week 9 of the 2024 Contender Series. The performance earned him a UFC contract. The UFC’s official results record the finish.
Modeling and Fighting
In a post-fight interview, Dulatov described modeling and fighting as competing career opportunities. He recalled turning down a modeling shoot worth about $5,000 in favor of a bout that paid roughly €200. The anecdote illustrates the different pay on that occasion; it does not establish his typical earnings. BJJEE reported the interview and his account.
Although the headline frames the shift as a departure from the runway, UFC described Dulatov in 2025 as still working as a model for brands including Versace, Prada, and Gucci. His story is better understood as balancing fashion work with a developing fight career.
His UFC Debut Came Later
Dulatov did not make his UFC debut immediately after earning the contract. He debuted on July 19, 2025, at UFC 318, knocking out Adam Fugitt at 4:06 of the first round. The UFC’s event report lists the result, while its profile describes his modeling work and career path.
Sources
UFC: Contender Series Week 9 results
BJJEE: Dulatov on choosing fighting alongside modeling
UFC: Dulatov’s UFC debut result
UFC: Dulatov’s modeling and MMA career
