On Thursday, UFC held a press conference in Abu Dhabi ahead of UFC 308. During the event, Nabotov Dorobshokh, an undefeated MMA fighter from Tajikistan, asked UFC CEO Dana White an opportunity to fight for the promotion. The 25-year-old said he has a 9-0 professional MMA record and has no manager.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Dana White was asked if Dorobshokh would be given a chance to fight in the UFC. White said he will add Dorobshokh to Korean Zombie’s event on December 14. White added that Dorobshokh would get a UFC contract if he wins the fight.
“I’m actually flying to Korea for ‘Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight’ on YouTube. The Korean Zombie is putting on a show. He started his own promotion there. December 14th. I’m going to have [Korean Zombie] put that kid on the card and we’re going to find out what he’s got. If he wins that night I’ll sign him!”
Showed up as a fan…leaving as a fighter?! 👀 #UFC308@VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/EFfCdtRiFs
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2024
Just talked to @danawhite (right before @powerslap 9 went live) about Dorobshokh Nabotov, the 7-0 fighter who used the #UFC308 presser to ask for a contract.
— michael j. babcock (@mikejbabcock) October 24, 2024
Dana says 25-year-old Nabotov will fight on Lookin' for a Fight in South Korea, w/ DW watching live from the arena. If he… https://t.co/8MFZjTugEi pic.twitter.com/Iiedrlu5RD