On Saturday, several fighters will have the opportunity to show off their skills at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. But during Thursday’s pre-show press conference, one other fighter not currently affiliated with the promotion tried his hardest to convince UFC president Dana White to let him onto the fight card with just three days notice.
Nabotov Dorobshokh, an undefeated fighter from Tajikistan, attended the UFC 308 presser as a fan. But depending on the result of his next fight, he may very well end up becoming a UFC fighter.
Dorobshokh got the chance to ask White a question, asking him for a fight on the UFC 308 card.
“I am undefeated elite athlete from Tajikistan,” said Dorobshokh. “Nabotov Dorobshokh, nine wins, and zero losses. Dana, I don’t have question. I come here for fight on short notice. I have never had a manager. I did all by myself. Please give me chance Dana. I am ready! Please give me, Dana, I want to fight.”
Dana White then asked him a few of the specifics about his fighting career, including what weight he fights at and his professional record. After this, he actually brought Dorobshokh onto the stage, escorting him to the backstage area where he seemingly indicated that he would talk to him after the press conference was over.
Showed up as a fan…leaving as a fighter?! 👀 #UFC308@VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/EFfCdtRiFs
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2024
White would provide an update on the situation in an interview with TMZ later in the day on Thursday, detailing that Nabotov will fight on the next edition of Lookin’ for a Fight, which airs on UFC Fight Pass and the UFC’s YouTube channel, where White scouts local talent that he can bring into the UFC.
“That wasn’t set up,” said White. “I didn’t know that guy. I didn’t know he was going to say that. We looked into it, looks like he is 7-0. He’s claiming he’s 9-0. You never know with these fights that happen in Russia. So I am actually flying out to Korea for Dana White Lookin’ for a Fight that’s on YouTube. The Korean Zombie is putting on a show, he started his own promotion out there. December 14th, Lookin’ for a Fight Korea, I’m gonna have him put that kid on the card and we’re gonna find out what he’s got. And if he wins that night, I’ll sign him.”
It’s quite admirable that Nabatov jumped at the opportunity to ask White for an opportunity.
And with just one win in December, he will be a UFC fighter, which would be one of the most unusual ways that a UFC career has ever started.
[UFC on X]
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.