Cracking into the UFC is undoubtedly one of the toughest challenges for any fighter, as they go from competing in their region to facing some of the best fighters in the world. While many fail to secure a contract despite solid records, one man from Tajikistan made a scene straight out of a movie. At a press conference, he boldly asked for a UFC contract, impressing Dana White in the process. Now, Dorobshokh Nabotov is set to fight in an event where he could earn his shot at a UFC contract.
To give context, at UFC 308, during the Q&A, the fighter boldly asked for a contract. When Dana White asked why he hadn’t gone through the Contender Series, the fighter simply said he didn’t care and would also take a shot there. Impressed by his confidence, White invited him on stage, introduced him to UFC staff, and told him to discuss his next steps. Now, after making a strong impression, the fighter must show White he’s worthy of a contract at ZFN.
Nabotov, who famously asked for a UFC contract during a presser, will face Matheus Camilo in an upcoming fight at the South Korean promotion ZFN on December 14. White will attend the event, and fighters who impress him could secure a UFC contract.
Talking about the promotion, Z-Fight Night, has a clear connection to the UFC. Founded by Chan Sung Jung, a former UFC star, the promotion gives up-and-coming fighters a platform to prove themselves. So this fight is a major opportunity for Nabotov, who is still undefeated with an 8-0 record to showcase his skills and earn his spot in the UFC.
Dana White Predicts TKO To Bring All Combat Sports Under It’s Umbrella
When White is in charge, it’s clear he’s aiming for nothing less than dominance. Now, the parent company of UFC, TKO Group Holdings, is planning to expand its empire even further. After merging WWE and UFC, the company is looking to enter boxing and Jiu-Jitsu, covering nearly every major combat sport. In an interview with Sports Business Journal, White shared his vision of turning the company into an even bigger one and bringing all combat sports under one roof by next year.
He said, “I’m in talks with boxing right now…..We’re literally launching a reality show…TKO umbrella will have everything combat sports under it by the end of ’25.”
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It’ll definitely be interesting to see if this vision becomes a reality. If successful, it could unite the biggest names in combat sports under one global brand, reshaping the industry.
