Dorobshokh Nabotov seizes His UFC opportunity at UFC 308 press conference thanks to Dana White.
In the unpredictable world of MMA, opportunities can arise when you least expect them. One fighter who wasn’t shy about making his presence known was Dorobshokh Nabotov, a relatively unknown prospect. At the UFC 308 press conference, Nabotov boldly asked Dana White for a chance to fight in the UFC, sparking a conversation that could change his career trajectory.
The 25-year-old fighter, who boasts an undefeated 7-0 record, took the floor during the event’s Q&A session. Grabbing the microphone, he introduced himself to Dana White and made his intentions clear—he wanted a shot in the UFC. White, intrigued but surprised, asked Nabotov why he hadn’t already been on Dana White’s Contender Series, a show known for giving prospects their first big break in the UFC.
Dana White Shocks Unheard Fighter With UFC Contract Offer
“We literally just got this put together within the last 30 minutes,” White shared with TMZ following the press conference:
“So, yeah, that kid hits me up. That wasn’t set up. I didn’t know that guy. I didn’t know he was going to say that. We looked into it, and it looks like he’s 7-0, but he’s claiming he’s 9-0. You never know with some of these fights in Russia.”
White didn’t hand Nabotov a UFC contract right on the spot but instead offered him a different path to prove himself. Rather than securing a direct spot in the UFC, Nabotov will now appear on Dana White’s Looking For A Fight, a series where White scouts talent from regional promotions around the world.
“I’m actually flying to Korea for Dana White’s Looking For A Fight, which will be on YouTube,” White explained. “‘The Korean Zombie’ is putting on a show. He started his own promotion out there. On December 14th, we’ll be in Korea, and I’m going to have Nabotov put on that card. We’ll find out what he’s got that night, and if he impresses, I’ll sign him.”
It’s an unconventional but exciting opportunity for Nabotov. Fighting on a regional show hosted by Chan Sung Jung, better known as “The Korean Zombie,” is a huge stage for the young fighter. Jung, a former UFC title contender, has recently transitioned to MMA promotion after his retirement from active competition. His last fight, a KO loss to Max Holloway, marked the end of his fighting career, but now he’s helping to build up the next generation of fighters in Korea.
Nabotov will look to capitalize on this chance and earn his place in the UFC. The 25-year-old has had an impressive career so far, with notable wins such as his recent majority decision victory over Murad Bilarov, who held a 7-1 record going into the fight. That win came during AMC Fight Night last November. Prior to that, Nabotov also claimed the IMMAF European Championship, further solidifying his status as a rising star.
Opportunity of a Lifetime
Despite his accomplishments, Nabotov remains somewhat under the radar in the MMA world. But with this upcoming opportunity on Dana White’s Looking For A Fight, he has the chance to show Dana White and the broader UFC fan base what he’s truly capable of.
Now, all eyes are on Nabotov as he prepares for his big opportunity. The question remains—will he rise to the occasion and claim his UFC contract, or will this be just another chapter in his journey to the top? Either way, it’s going to be an exciting fight to watch.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
