Why Did UFC Star Islam Dulatov Quit Modelling After Catwalking With Gigi and Bella Hadid?

SUMMARY

• Islam Dulatov, a German mixed martial artist, started modeling at 18 and worked with prominent brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Versace.
• Despite earning more from modeling, Dulatov prefers fighting, citing his passion and authenticity.
• He has canceled high-paying modeling jobs for low-paying fights, prioritizing his true calling in the UFC.

A German mixed martial artist, Islam Dulatov has absolutely been ravishing the world of fighting. Currently competing in the welterweight division of the UFC, he was born in Chechnya but migrated with his siblings and parents to Germany as a refugee.

Islam Dulatov | Credit: Instagram / @islam_dulatov1

While it was a struggle initially, the UFC champion went on to make his mark in the world of modeling as well. He even famously walked with Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid once but recently said goodbye to the world of modeling to pursue his fighting career.

UFC Champion Islam Dulatov Quits Modeling

UFC Champion Islam Dulatov was introduced to the world of modeling by his older brother at the age of 18. Since then, the UFC fighter has made a mark in the fashion industry and has worked with several reputable fashion brands.

Islam Dulatov has quit modeling | Credit: Instagram / @islam_dulatov1

From Tommy Hilfiger to appearing in British Vogue as one of the top 10 models of 2018, Dulatov has even walked for Versace and posed for GQ. However, the fighter recently revealed he would be saying goodbye to the world of modeling to pursue his love for fighting.

Recently in a post-fight news conference (via MMA Junkie), the UFC champ stated,

(I worked for) every brand which is like a big name. I did a lot of fashion weeks and all that stuff, but to be honest, I prefer fighting more than modeling.

He also revealed how despite being a model, where people are supposed to look their best and be in their top shape, he would show up with injuries, which incidentally hyped his appeal.

I had a shooting for GQ, and when I go to the shoot casting, they go, ‘What is this? Blue eye?’ I go, ‘Yeah.’ They say, ‘Oh, it’s cool. It’s more authentic. It shows what you really are.’ Because in the model business, the people already all know me, they know that I do fighting.

While his agent made peace that he would never stop fighting, his announcing the end of his modeling career comes as a shock. Yet, the Chechnya-born fighter remains unfazed.

Islam Dulatov Canceled High-Paying Modeling Jobs for Fights

Despite first attaining fame as a model and earning some high-paying checks in the fashion industry, Islam Dulatov has always been more intrigued by fighting. He started his MMA career in 2019 and has since moved on to UFC. One of the top fighters in his field, it is nothing less than magical to see Dulatov in action.

Fighting is Islam Dulatov’s first love | Credit: Instagram / @islam_dulatov1

While talking about leaving the fashion industry, the fighter revealed in a post-fight news conference how he would cancel some hefty modeling jobs for low-paying fights.

I canceled a lot of shootings when I was younger. We had some problems with money and everything. This time, modeling was really helping me with my situation. I remember when I canceled a shooting for $5,000. At this time, that was a lot of money for me.

He later added how the fight he had canceled his shoot ended up being canceled, making him lose on both fronts.

I had these situations like 10 times, with even more money and everything. But to be honest, I love to be a fighter and that’s what I do.

Now, it is truly inspirational to see the 26-year-old leave the world of fashion, even though it pays much more than fights, to pursue his first love of fighting. As The Ripper moves on his career, fans wish him all the best, hoping to see him succeed in his chosen career field.

Written by Maria Sultan

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