Dana White barred from entering South Korea to witness debut of the fighter he gave a chance at UFC 308 press conference

Dana White has reportedly been prevented from entering South Korea where he was to witness the ZFN promotional debut of a fighter he had a much-discussed interaction with this year.

At the UFC 308 pre-fight press conference in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., in Oct. 2024, Dorobshokh Nabotov, an MMA lightweight representing Tajikistan, generated considerable buzz. During the fan Q&A segment, Nabotov requested Dana White for a chance to compete in the UFC.

White was helming the press conference and responded by asking Nabotov his age and MMA record. White also indicated that the fighter could've competed on the UFC-affiliated DWCS (Dana White's Contender Series) and earned a UFC contract.

Nevertheless, White was seemingly convinced to give Nabotov an opportunity and called him onstage. They greeted one another before White appeared to guide him elsewhere.

Watch their interaction below (28:00):

Nabotov is booked to fight Matheus Camilo in a lightweight bout at ZFN 02 at Kintex in Goyang, South Korea, on Dec. 14, 2024. Dana White was expected to attend Nabotov's fight and possibly sign him to the UFC, provided he fought impressively. Unfortunately, White's visit is now reportedly in jeopardy.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, to eliminate "anti-state" elements -- mainly from his political opposition -- whom he accused of being sympathetic toward communist North Korea.

The National Assembly swiftly voted and made Yoon lift the martial law six hours later, in the early hours of Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. Massive protests and calls for Yoon's resignation got underway.

Apparently, White was to film for the 'Dana White: Lookin' for a Fight' show at ZFN 02. In an Instagram post, ZFN implied that the nation's current political tumultuousness barred White from visiting. However, they promised to invite him in the future:

"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."

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ZFN spokesperson's comments on Dana White's canceled South Korea trip

White took to his official Instagram handle in June to support a new MMA promotion, ZFN, founded by retired MMA star Chan Sung Jung aka 'The Korean Zombie.' Jung, an ex-UFC featherweight title challenger, is counted among South Korea's best MMA fighters ever. The Z-Fight Night event, the promotion's inaugural card, transpired on June 29, 2024.

Moreover, Dorobshokh Nabotov's fight at ZFN 02 is expected to go ahead as planned. It's believed that the imposition of martial law in South Korea usually brings wartime measures such as restriction of the freedom of the press and the courts, curtailment of public gatherings, etc.

Per Korea JoongAng Daily, Yoon could face an impeachment vote this weekend. Furthermore, a ZFN spokesperson addressed White's canceled trip in a statement. Noting that it had to do with the martial law incident, the spokesperson said:

"Following the Korean government's proclamation of martial law on Dec. 3 citing national security concerns, White and his team decided to cancel the trip after discussions with ZFN organizers."