![Veteran MMA journalist speculates on Dana White potentially staging UFC 308 presser incident. [Image courtesy: Getty Images]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/5aa0e-17298461542190-1920.jpg)
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Ariel Helwani recently shared his thoughts on Dorobshokh Nabotov simply asking Dana White for a fighting contract at the UFC 308 pre-fight press conference. While the Tajikistani fighter's gamble paid off as the UFC CEO seemingly arranged a fight for him on 'The Korean Zombie's' promotion in December, Helwani suspects the whole incident may have been planned and staged.
In a recent episode of The Boys in the Back on The Ariel Helwani Show YouTube channel, the veteran journalist recalled UFC star Mickey Gall and former WWE star Santino Marella having similar storylines that kickstarted their careers. Speculating whether the UFC planted Nabotov, he said:
"I was just thinking, could you imagine if they actually planted this kid in there and said, 'You be the kid who raises his hand and gets the opportunity to live out his dream by doing this.' It's brilliant. I don't think that's what happened. I give Dana a lot of credit for doing it... Now he's going to get this every single time."
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Watch the full The Boys in the Back episode below:
Dana White on giving Dorobshokh Nabotov a chance after UFC 308 gamble
Dorobshokh Nabotov may have scored big after one of the greatest gambles in combat sports history. The undefeated Tajikistani fighter asked Dana White for an opportunity to shine, and the UFC CEO helped him out in a big way.
In an interview with TMZ Sports after the Power Slap 9 event, White addressed Nabotov posing as a reporter at the UFC 308 press conference to ask for a contract and said:
"We looked into it. Looks like he's 7-0. He's claiming he's 9-0. You never know with these fights that happen in Russia. So I am actually flying to Korea for 'Dana White Lookin' for a Fight' that's on YouTube. 'The Korean Zombie' is putting on a show. He started his own promotion out there. December 14th. Looking for a Fight, Korea, I'm gonna have him put that kid on the card, and we're gonna fight out what he's got. If he wins that night, I'll sign him."
