Dulatov was born in the small town of Urus-Martan, Chechnya, Russia.[1] He grew up in a large family with six brothers, being the middle child.[5] During the turbulent years of the Second Chechen War, Dulatov's family frequently moved across the region, including to Shali and Grozny, in search of safety. Due to the ongoing insurgency, the Dulatov brothers had little opportunity to attend school. Instead, they spent much of their time outdoors, engaging in bodyweight workouts and helping their parents by unloading trucks to support the family financially.[1]
In December 2007, the family relocated to Germany as war refugees.[6] Initially, Dulatov and his brothers struggled to adapt to their new environment, particularly in school, where the language barrier posed a significant challenge. However, participating in sports and training in mixed martial arts played a crucial role in helping them adjust. It not only aided their socialization but also gave them the confidence to stand up for themselves during confrontations and fights.[7]
Career
Professional fashion model
Dulatov's eldest brother, Djibril, who had established a successful career as a model for prestigious fashion brands such as Lavin, Gucci and Alexander McQueen, played a pivotal role in shaping the paths of his younger brothers. When his brothers Islam, Sulumbek, and Tamerlan turned 18, Djibril introduced them to the world of modeling, effectively influencing their decision to pursue careers in fashion. Despite their modeling careers, the brothers chose to maintain their dedication to mixed martial arts (MMA) , continuing their rigorous training and competing in the sport. This decision led them to forgo higher education, focusing instead in both modeling and MMA.[1][8]
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. The fight, which was the same day, was for like 200 euros or something like that. … At the end of the moment, the fight was canceled too because my opponent had an injury. 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.[15]
Mixed martial arts
Early career
After compiling an amateur record of 4–1, Dulatov started his professional MMA career in 2019. He amassed a professional record of 10–1 prior participating in Dana White's Contender Series.[4]
Dulatov and his three brothers invested in a hairdressing salon, owned a bar named "J'adore Lounge" in Düsseldorf and planning to open a gym, restaurant and launching a clothing brand in the near future.[1]