Wellington Turman details ‘tough time’ away after 4 surgeries ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi return

Wellington Turman is set to return to action at UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday, facing Islam Dulatov in what marks his long-awaited octagon comeback. The Brazilian welterweight has endured an arduous 20-month absence from competition following a shoulder injury sustained in a December 2023 loss to Jared Gooden, an ordeal that ultimately required four surgical procedures.

Turman's road to recovery proved exceptionally challenging. He initially underwent surgery to repair his right shoulder, but an infection developed that necessitated a second procedure on the same shoulder. Months later, he underwent left shoulder surgery, only to discover the bone remained displaced, requiring further intervention. "I had four surgeries in total," Turman told MMA Fighting. "Two of them didn't go well, so I had to have them redone."

The extended layoff created financial hardship for Turman, who relies on fight purses for income. With his U.S. visa expiring, he relocated to his parents' home in Brazil to reduce expenses while unable to compete or coach. He supplemented his income through side work and spent three months coaching fighters in Turkey before finally receiving medical clearance to fight.

Despite carrying a three-fight losing streak heading into Abu Dhabi, Turman expressed optimism about facing Dulatov, acknowledging his opponent's hype and knockout record. "He's coming in with a lot of hype, all first-round knockout wins," Turman said. "That's the kind of thing that makes some fighters nervous, but for me it motivates me even more." Turman believes the matchup offers an opportunity to demonstrate he remains competitive at the UFC's welterweight level and belongs on the roster.