It is common in UFC for fighters not to make weight during the official weigh-ins, and as a result, either pay a hefty fine or get pulled out of the fight. That is exactly what English Welterweight fighter Justin Burlinson was hoping would happen at UFC Fight Night 265. The Cage Warriors Welterweight Champion was not booked for a fight at the Qatar event. But he still flew from the UK to Qatar, hoping to end up fighting. His dedication earned the support of Umar Nurmagomedov.

Ahead of the Qatar weigh-in, Umar Nurmagomedov was answering fan questions about his future during a Q&A session hosted by John Goode. Burlinson got the microphone and put in a request for Dana White to sign him. Umar Nurmagomedov appreciated the dedication of the British fighter.

“Of course, it’s a very big deal that he came to take his opportunity. You know, you have to be ready, and opportunities come. They don’t come when you’re sleeping at home. It’s a very, very good idea to come, and I hope they’re going to sign you. I wish you the best,” he said.

Earning recognition from a contender like Umar Nurmagomedov adds real weight to Burlinson’s campaign. The bigger question now is whether Justin Burlinson will finally get his break and if Dana White and his team will give him that long-awaited shot.

The Cage Warriors champion has built a strong reputation on the British MMA circuit. He holds a 10-2 record and is currently on a three-fight winning streak. His most recent victory came in April, when he dethroned James Sheehan with a guillotine choke. With 70% of his wins coming by submission, his grappling credentials stand out.

Fighting in the UFC is the ultimate dream for every MMA fighter. Despite frequent criticism over underpaying fighters, the promotion remains a global powerhouse, capable of creating stars like Conor McGregor. Every newcomer sees the multi-billion-dollar platform and the opportunities it brings. Now, Justin Burlinson wants a chance to live that life and prove himself.

Will Dana White give Justin Burlinson a chance?

The UFC Qatar weigh-ins turned out to be a smooth day for UFC CEO Dana White, as no fighter missed weight. Which was a rare occurrence, especially in 2025. So, Burlinson’s Plan A to compete in UFC fell through. Will his Plan B help him seize the opportunity?

Well, White was not present at the ceremonial weigh-ins. So, we might not get an immediate answer, but we can expect him to respond as this does echo a similar moment. At UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi last year, a 25-year-old Russian-Tajik fighter, Dorobshokh Nabotov, had made a comparable appeal to the UFC CEO.

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“Please give me a chance, Dana. I want to fight in the UFC,” Nabotov said.

Dana White invited him on stage, giving him the chance to prove himself. This time, the future of the British fighter with the UFC remains uncertain, but Umar Nurmagomedov stepped in to publicly show his support for the British MMA champion.

Burlinson has been here once before. His 2021 DWCS opportunity ended in a knockout loss, leaving him determined to earn another shot. Do you think Dana White will give the 28-year-old a chance?