Key UFC Abu Dhabi Bout Canceled Hours Before Event

The highly anticipated bout between Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman has been canceled due to illness affecting one of the fighters, forcing a last-minute change to the fight night's schedule.

Saturday's UFC fight card in Abu Dhabi will proceed with only 12 bouts after the main card fight between Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman was called off. The organization announced the news just hours before the event was set to begin.

According to official reports, Dulatov was forced to withdraw from the welterweight clash due to illness. A statement posted on the fighter's social media accounts on Saturday morning revealed that he had been hospitalized on Friday.

"Last night, Islam was admitted to the hospital due to an infection and spent several hours under medical observation," the statement read. "Despite all efforts to proceed with the fight, a joint decision was made with the UFC for him to withdraw from the bout in the interest of his health and well-being. Currently, the sole priority is Islam's full recovery. He will personally address everyone with a statement as soon as he is able."

Dulatov's team added that "Islam will use this time to fully recover and will return stronger than ever."

Turman, who was set to make his return to the octagon after a two-and-a-half-year absence due to four shoulder surgeries, commented on social media, wishing Dulatov a speedy recovery. He expressed hope for a swift rescheduling of the fight with Dulatov or for a new opponent to be arranged.

The UFC has yet to announce whether another fight will be moved to the main card of the event.

Updated fight card for UFC Abu Dhabi:

Main Card

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov Magomed Zainukov vs. Damian Zepecki Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune Abubakar Vagaev vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev

Preliminary Card

Walter Walker vs. Thomas Petersen Dustin Jacoby vs. Muhammad Saidov Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Sam Patterson Ismael Bonfim vs. Axel Sola Magomed Tuchalov vs. Brendson Ribeiro Mike Davis vs. Nurullo Aliev Cody Gibson vs. Abdul Hussein