Ahead of the blockbuster UFC 308 event in Abu Dhabi this coming Saturday, the main card fighters took to the stage on Thursday for the pre-fight press conference.
In typical press conference fashion, several fighters traded barbs for the final time ahead of their fights this coming Saturday with Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway getting extremely heated with each other.
However, it wasn’t just UFC fighters taking the opportunity to share their final words as the press conference was hijacked by an unsigned undefeated fighter from Tajikistan who got on the mic and begged UFC CEO, Dana White for a contract.
Who was the undefeated fighter that Dana White invited on stage at the UFC 308 press conference?
With Dana White’s Contender Series blossoming into such a fruitful product for the promotion and a great way for them to sign talent, fighters around the world are looking at it as an opportunity to get into the UFC.
Despite that, at the UFC 308 press conference, the microphone was hijacked by an unsigned undefeated fighter from Tajikistan who begged the UFC boss to give him an opportunity under the UFC banner.
The undefeated fighter’s name is Dorobshokh Nabotov who is currently 7-0, despite telling White he is 9-0. The 25-year-old lightweight last fought in November last year at AMC Fight Night 122 where he beat 7-1, Murad Bilarov.
The Russian-born Tajik has fought at a decent level so far in his six-year MMA career, picking up four wins by decision, one win by submission, and two knockout wins.
Four fighters, Muhammad Naimov, Loik Radzhabov, Nurullo Aliev, and Muin Gafarov, currently represent Tajikistan on the UFC roster.
Dana White sends Dorobshokh Nabotov backstage to discuss UFC contract
After stating his pitch to Dana White at the press conference, he was then invited on stage by the UFC boss, looking ecstatic.
“I am undefeated elite athlete from Tajikistan Nabotov Dorobshokh, nine wins, zero losses, Dana, I don’t have a question I came here for a fight on short notice. I’ve never had a manager, I did it all by myself, please give me a chance Dana, I want to fight in the UFC please give me a chance, I’m ready, please give me Dana,” the fighter pleaded.
“What’s your record?” White responded. “How old are you? 25-years old, 9-0? What weight are you? Where were you on the Contender Series, the Contender Series just ended, where were you? You’re ready? Alright come up here,” White invited him on stage.
After a brief conversation with Nabotov on stage, White sent the 25-year-old backstage to wait for him to further continue discussion of a possible UFC contract.
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