Video: Undefeated fighter shoots his shot for UFC contract during presser, Dana White accepts (on one condition)

Alexander Behunin specializes in running MMAmania.com's various social media accounts, as well as covering live UFC events, interviewing the sports biggest stars and personalities.

Shoot your shot!

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) held its UFC 308 pre-fight press conference (watch here) this morning (Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024) ahead of the stacked pay-per-view (PPV) that will take place this Saturday (Oct. 26, 2024) inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Twenty-eight minutes into the press conference, Dorobshokh Nabotov, an undefeated fighter from Tajikistan decided to shoot his shot at UFC CEO Dana White and ask for a UFC contract.

“I am an undefeated elite athlete from Tajikistan. Nabotov Dorobshokh, nine wins, zero losses,” the brave fighter said. “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.”

White, who is notoriously hard of hearing, asked what the fighter’s name, record, age, and weight class were. After a few seconds, White brought the fighter on stage and told him to talk to someone in the back.

Watch the clip below:

This means Nabotov is a UFC fighter now, right? Well, no.

White caught up with TMZ Sports following the press conference and revealed that Nabotov will compete in The Korean Zombie’s brand-new promotion, Z-Fight Night (ZFN), which will air on UFC Fight Pass.

“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,” White said.

According to Tapology, Nabotov is actually 7-0 instead of 9-0 like he boasted. He has three finishes and four decision wins.

LIVE! Watch UFC 308 PPV On ESPN+ Here!

Championship Doubleheader! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Sat., Oct. 5, 2024, with a pair of thrilling championship bouts at the helm. In UFC 307’s pay-per-view (PPV) main event, Light Heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, goes for his third successful title defense of 2024 when he collides with No. 8-ranked contender, Khalil Rountree Jr., in a battle of ferocious knockout artists. Meanwhile, in UFC 307’s championship co-headliner, women’s Bantamweight roost-ruler, Raquel Pennington, defends against former titleholder and No. 1-seeded contender, Julianna Pena, in a grudge match dating back to The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 18 more than one decade ago. UFC 307 will also feature the return of former pound-for-pound great, Jose Aldo, as well Kayla Harrison, Kevin Holland and so much more! It’s must-watch action from “SLC!” UFC 307’s start time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (Prelims card) and 10 p.m. ET (PPV main card).

Don’t miss a single second of EPIC face-punching action!

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MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 308 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 10 a.m. ET, followed by the UFC 308 PPV main card start time at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 308: “Topuria vs. Holloway” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the complete UFC 308 fight card and PPV lineup click here.