Dana White’s Plans to Sign Unknown Fighter From Tajikistan Takes a Blow Due to Unforeseen Circumstances

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law seemingly out of nowhere on December 3, only to withdraw it the next day after running into massive opposition. This, of course, led to a lot of disruption in the country, including, surprisingly, for UFC CEO Dana White.

The UFC boss was set to attend an MMA event by ZFN this weekend, a promotion started by former UFC star ‘The Korean Zombie’ Chan Sung Jung. There, he was expected to watch Tajik fighter Dorobshokh Nabotov, who had urged him for a fight at the UFC 308 pre-fight press conference. However, White will no longer be doing so, because of the turmoil in South Korea, ZFn said in a statement.

“Due to the declaration of martial law in South Korea on December 3, Dana White, who was scheduled to attend ZFN 02 on December 14, will unfortunately no longer be able to attend the event.

We sincerely apologize to everyone who was looking forward to his visit.

ZFN will do its best to invite Dana White to a future event.

Thank you for your understanding.” the promotion said in a statement on social media.

In fact, the UFC CEO seemingly had two objectives to go to South Korea. Not only would he have seen Nabotov perform, but also support Jung, one of the most beloved UFC stars, who retired last year, in his new venture. But alas, since the situation in South Korea is still a bit tenuous, White decided against attending it. However, the Korean MMA promotion has promised to have White attend one of its events in the near future. But why was Dana White even going to watch a little-known fighter half a world away? Well it seems because he is a man of his word.

Nabotov impressing Dana White led to an opportunity for a UFC roster spot at ZFN

Dorobsho Nabotov is an 8-0 undefeated lightweight fighter, who made his way to the microphone at the UFC 308 pre-fight press conference in October. There, he would earnestly request Dana White for an opportunity to fight in the UFC, which many expected to be immediately shut down by the UFC CEO.

“I am an undefeated elite athlete from Tajikistan. Nabotov Dorobshokh, nine wins, zero losses. 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,” the lightweight contender said.

But apparently, the UFC CEO was impressed by Nabotov’s chutzpah and courage. White called the undefeated fighter on the stage, where he said some words to Nabotov and sent him to wait backstage. It turns out the UFC boss set the undefeated lightweight for a clash at the ZFN and promised to attend the event as part of his ‘Dana White’s Lookin’ for a Fight’ series, with a promise to sign him to the UFC if he impressed him.

However, now that is out of the window, Nabotov will probably have to wait even longer to impress the UFC CEO. What do you think about Dana White’s decision to call off his South Korea visit?