UFC fans have had many memorable moments this year, from Max Holloway’s astonishing knockout to Justin Gaethje’s stunning performance, and the unforgettable UFC 306. However, one moment that stands out to fans is how a Tajikistan fighter grabbed the attention of the entire MMA community. At the UFC 308 pre-fight press conference in Abu Dhabi, a regional fighter from the said country, Dorobshokh Nabotov, caught the world’s eye.

Disguised as a reporter, the Tajikistani prospect grabbed the mic and made an impassioned plea to UFC CEO Dana White: “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, renowned for his knack for spotting raw talent and giving newcomers a shot, didn’t think twice. He welcomed Nabotov to the stage and immediately set up a test for him through the “Dana White Looking for a Fight” series. As part of this opportunity, Nabotov was slated to compete at ZNF 02, the promotion recently founded by former UFC contender Korean Zombie (Chan Sung Jung).

Facing Matheus Camilo at the event, Nabotov stepped into the cage with hopes of proving himself worthy of a UFC contract. However, the night didn’t go as planned. After three grueling rounds, Nabotov fell short, with Camilo securing a decisive victory. The loss crushed Nabotov’s dream of joining the UFC, leaving him to reflect on the missed opportunity. The Instagram page @blackbeltmma later reported, “Dorobshokh Nabotov loses via decision and loses his shot to join the UFC. Dana White promised Nabotov a chance to fight for the UFC contract after UFC 309 press conference.”

This post has now reached many MMA fans who were left heartbroken to witness what could have been a movie-like story. Could Nabotov have made an impact with his debut in the promotion if he had passed the test given by the UFC boss? While some fans expressed sympathy for the Tajikistan sensation, others have raised doubts about Nabotov’s loss. Let’s see how fans reacted to this crushed dream of the rising fighter.

Fans react to Dorobshokh Nabotov’s loss in Dana White’s test

Fans in the comments of the post are struggling to believe that the Tajikistani sensation, Dorobshokh Nabotov, failed to live up to his reputation as an undefeated fighter in the regional circuits. Nabotov’s magic couldn’t overpower Brazilian native Matheus Camilo, who was also on a five-fight winning streak and secured a decisive victory over Nabotov.

However, some fans still believe Dana White might give Nabotov another chance. One fan expressed hope, commenting, “Hopefully they still sign him.” Another fan, shocked by the outcome, shared their disappointment: “F-ck, I was rooting for this guy so much. It would be such a great story if it’d worked out.” A fan hoping for a story reminiscent of sports dramas like Blind Side or Rudy said, “Some things only happen in movies… Almost…” Meanwhile, another fan claimed that White had hinted at giving Nabotov another shot, commenting, “Dana said he would still give him the shot on Instagram Live.”

Despite this, there has been no official confirmation from the UFC head honcho or any other reliable sources about whether Nabotov will get another opportunity. Most fans in the comments expressed heartfelt support for the Tajikistani prospect, with messages like, “He can hopefully work on himself and join the UFC later.” However, some fans raised suspicions about the loss, pointing out inconsistencies in records. One fan noted, “Tapology still says he’s 8-0?”

The skepticism appears valid, as recent political developments in South Korea have raised concerns about transparency. President Yoon Suk Yeol recently declared martial law, an unexpected move that has left many questioning the circumstances surrounding events in the region.

The debate continues, but it’s clear that Nabotov has captured the hearts of many fans despite his defeat. Now, the decision lies with Dana White and the UFC. Will they give Nabotov another chance to prove himself, or has his journey to the UFC come to an end, forcing him to return to Russia to further hone his skills? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for further updates.