It is common in UFC for fighters not to make the 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. Prior to the weigh-in, the Cage Warriors Welterweight Champion was not booked for a fight, but still, he flew from the UK to Qatar, hoping he could end up fighting.

At the UFC Qatar weigh-ins, it turned out to be a smooth day for UFC CEO Dana White, as no fighter missed weight. Such moments are rare for the promotion, especially in a year that has been challenging for UFC when it comes to fighters missing weight on pay-per-view or fight night events. Although Plan A didn’t work out for Justin Burlinson, he was ready with Plan B, seizing the opportunity to take over the Q&A session in front of media, fans, and Umar Nurmagomedov.

Justin Burlinson’s bold plea to Dana White

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.

At the post-weigh-in show, Justin Burlinson boldly stepped forward during the Q&A session with former title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov. UFC commentator John Gooden quickly recognized the Cage Warriors champion and asked the Briton, “What is your question, or what do you have to say?”

Then, Justin Burlinson introduced himself and revealed, “I’m the welterweight champion at Cage Warriors. I traveled all the way here from England on my own, cut weight to 170 pounds this morning by myself. My question is just for Dana White. If he’s watching, please give me a contract. Sign me up, Dana. Please.”

Although Dana White was absent from the ceremonial weigh-ins, he likely heard Justin’s plea, echoing a similar moment at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi last year. Back then, a 25-year-old Russian-Tajik fighter, Dorobshokh Nabotov, had made a comparable appeal to the UFC CEO, saying, “Please give me a chance, Dana. I want to fight in the UFC.”

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.

Umar Nurmagomedov backs Justin Burlinson’s resilience at UFC Qatar

Fresh off his appearance at UFC 321 last month, Umar Nurmagomedov was answering fan questions about his future when Burlinson stepped into the spotlight. Burlinson 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.

Still, he has been here once before-his 2021 DWCS opportunity ended in a knockout loss, leaving him determined to earn another shot. As Burlinson pushes for a second chance, Umar Nurmagomedov didn’t hesitate to acknowledge his effort during the Q&A session hosted by John Gooden. The bantamweight star said, “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.”

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. What do you think?