They say breaking into the UFC is the hardest challenge for any MMA fighter since it’s the top promotion with the highest skill demands. Even after showing solid skills at Dana White Contender Series and Road to UFC like events, many fighters still struggle to make it. However, it seems like Dana White has eased the path to the UFC, as he apparently handed a random fighter a contract during the UFC 308 Max Holloway vs. Ilia Topuria press conference.
At the UFC 308 presser in Abu Dhabi, where the floor is open for anyone to ask questions to Dana White or the fighters, one attendee made the most of the opportunity. During the fan Q&A, an amateur fighter with a 9-0 record managed to convince White to give him a shot at earning a spot in the UFC. It was a first for White, who had never made such an offer on the spot before.
During the Q&A, the fighter told Dana White he had no manager and had done everything on his own. White asked why he hadn’t tried the Contender Series, and the fighter replied that he didn’t care—he’d take a shot there, too. Impressed, White called him up on stage and introduced him to the UFC staff, telling him to talk to them about what’s next. It was a surreal moment, showing just how far confidence and persistence can go.
Who Is the Fighter Landing a Major Opportunity from Dana White?
The fighter in question is Dorobshokh Nabotov, born in Tajikistan, and similar to middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev, he’s made a name for himself in Russia. According to Tapology, Nabotov is ranked #437 in the Eurasia region.
At just 25, he has had a 5-1 record as an amateur. Since going pro in 2018, he’s been on fire, winning all seven of his fights. Even though he mentioned to Dana White that he has nine fights, his seven wins were enough to catch White’s eye and land him in the UFC spotlight.
It’s going to be interesting to watch how Nabotov’s journey unfolds in the UFC. For now, it feels like something straight out of a movie—one bold move, and everything changed for him in an instant. Now, all eyes will be on how he handles this big break and where it takes him next.
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Also Read: Max Holloway Opens Up About His Brain Health After Over 12 Years Of Intense Fighting
