The UFC has finally arrived in Qatar for its promotional debut, with Doha’s ABHA Arena ready to host a weekend of action brought by Dana White and his team. Fighters completed the weigh-ins, including headliners Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker taking center stage, alongside the rest of the card. However, amid the high-profile bouts, all eyes turned to an uninvited guest, Justin Burlinson. Flying to Qatar alone without his team, Burlinson even made weight in case he needed to step in for any fighter pullouts. Currently, he has no contract with the UFC and has had no discussions with the promotion.

Still, the 10-2 fighter made his presence felt in the Middle East and on social media, speaking about the sacrifices he has made for a shot, “I’ve been waiting at the fighters’ hotel all day, just in the reception, just trying to see Dana or one of the matchmakers, trying to get a word for them. But that didn’t happen, so I guess just make weight in the morning. Hopefully, there’s a pullout. If there’s not a pullout, get to the Q and A at the weigh-in show and then get on the mic and call for my shot.”

At the UFC weigh-ins, every fighter hit the mark with no pullouts, which only added tension for Justin Burlinson. His trip to Qatar cost him the equivalent of three months’ rent. He shared an update on the situation, saying, “At the end of there go fully up and get a contract with the UFC because I’ve actually spent the next three months rent on this trip, I get a contract or be homeless.”

Even so, the Briton plans to approach Dana White at the Q&A press conference, following a path similar to Russian fighter Dorobshokh Nabotov at UFC 308. Inspired by his dedication, fans on X have started campaigns urging the UFC CEO to sign him.

Fans support Cage Warriors champion who flew to Qatar risking rent to chase UFC dream

At last year’s promotional outing in Abu Dhabi, a Tajikistan fighter captured the attention of the MMA community during the pre-fight conference. His name was Dorobshokh Nabotov. Posing as a journalist, he seized his moment and asked for a UFC fight, “Please give me a chance.” UFC CEO Dana White granted it, but unfortunately, he failed the test. Now, Cage Warriors welterweight champion Justin Burlinson is trying to follow that path. He arrived with a strong resume but without any prior communication or invitation from the promotion, immediately drawing attention.

One fan praised the British fighter, saying, “That’s the real family man mentality. Not an easy job to do for many. He deserves respect.” Similarly, another fan echoed that sentiment, commenting, “Holy sh-t. That’s crazy dedication. Give the man his shot.” Many fans may not know that Justin Burlinson first earned a chance at DWCS in 2021, but a left hook from Yohan Lainesse ended his dream. Tapology says that he later got another chance in 2023, but it was canceled for unknown reasons. A fan now urges another DWCS shot for Burlinson, commenting, “Don’t you like fighters like this? See what he’s got, give him a chance on DWCS.”

Despite the cancellations, fans continue to admire his determination, with one noting, “That’s hunger in the mental sense as much as the physical.” In his professional career, Justin Burlinson currently rides a three-fight win streak, including his latest victory in April, when he dethroned James Sheehan via guillotine. He has built a reputation for grappling, with 70% of his wins coming by submission.

One wrote, “Dana respects guys like him. He will definitely take care of this kid,” while another added, “Sensational stuff, dream chaser.” However, despite the UFC visiting the UK nearly twice a year, some fans questioned why Justin Burlinson traveled overseas instead of waiting for an event at home: “UFC comes to England in what, three months… couldn’t have just used that money then to make something happen lol.”

Now, all eyes are on Dana White & Co. to see if the 28-year-old British star will get the chance to chase the dream he has been pursuing.