At a press conference for UFC 308, an audience member managed to capture everyone`s attention by making the most of his moment at the microphone.
Dorobshokh Nabotov approached the podium and, instead of directing a question to the fighters present last October, he directly appealed to Dana White for a chance.
After Nabotov stated his age and undefeated record, White, impressed by the 26-year-old, agreed to give him an opportunity.
It was later announced that Nabotov would be featured on ‘Lookin’ For a Fight’, the UFC series where White, accompanied by Din Thomas and Matt Serra, travels to regional promotions to scout promising talent.
The most recent episode was initially planned to take place internationally, allowing the UFC president to attend a new promotion launched by a former fighter in person.
Dana White Signs Opponent of Dorobshokh Nabotov After Watching The Korean Zombie`s Event
Dana White had intended to showcase Dorobshokh Nabotov at Z Fight Night, the new South Korean promotion founded by former UFC fighter Chan Sung Jung, also known as ‘The Korean Zombie’.
However, the UFC president`s travel plans were canceled due to an ongoing situation in South Korea.
Instead, White watched the live card from Florida in the early morning hours, alongside Matt Serra and Din Thomas, receiving a direct feed from ‘The Zombie’.
At Z Fight Night 2, Tajikistan`s Nabotov faced Matheus Camilo. The 24-year-old Brazilian ultimately proved to be the fighter who impressed the scouting team.
Nabotov found some success with his grappling, but Camilo secured a unanimous decision victory, primarily by effectively using leg kicks throughout the fight.
White then virtually offered the winner a spot in the UFC. Camilo`s debut is already scheduled for May 17 against Gabe Green at the UFC Apex.
White commented on Camilo`s performance: “Matheus, you looked unbelievable. You were definitely the more well-rounded fighter tonight. You started chopping that leg in the first round, damaged it, and pretty much, in our opinion, controlled the fight the rest of the night. As young as you are, 23 years old, you really impressed us tonight and congratulations kid, you’re getting into the UFC.”
Dana White Also Signs a Second Fighter from Z Fight Night 2
On the latest episode of ‘Lookin’ For a Fight’, Dana White mentioned that he generally isn`t looking to sign 31-year-old prospects to the UFC.
To earn a contract at that age, a fighter needs to be exceptionally impressive, which is precisely what Joo Sang Yoo demonstrated at Z Fight Night 2.
The undefeated South Korean fighter secured his eighth professional victory by stopping Masuto Kawana in just one minute and 15 seconds.
White`s message to Yoo: “You went in there tonight, you looked impressive, you took him out early, you took him out fast and congratulations kid, you’re in the UFC. 8-0, undefeated, unbelievable performance and I’m looking forward to seeing you fight here in the UFC buddy.”
Joo Sang Yoo`s potential UFC debut is reportedly set for UFC 316 against Jeka Saragih, though this matchup has not yet been officially confirmed.
Rupert Hartwell