Ariel Helwani has made a comparison between the 9-0 fighter who hijacked the UFC 308 press conference and Santino Marella, with both men getting shots in world-class organizations after emerging from the crowd.

Yesterday, Dorobshokh Nabotov took his opportunity on the microphone to ask for an opportunity in the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion. And it appears he’ll be rewarded for his efforts.

Wrestlers Santino Marella (L) and The Miz compete during the WWE Monday Night Raw show at the Thomas & Mack Center August 24, 2009 in Las Vegas...

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Ariel Helwani gives his stance on whether the Dorobshokh Nabotov situation was ‘a work’

On April 16, 2007, WWE traveled to Milan, Italy, for a night fans remember fondly. In an entertaining storyline, Vince McMahon handpicked a man from the crowd to take on Umaga for the Intercontinental title.

In a major upset, the fan, who turned out to be Santino Marella, somehow managed to defeat the monster to claim one of the most prestigious belts in all of wrestling.


Of course, the match was scripted, and the future wrestling superstar was planted in the crowd, knowing full well his title-winning moment awaited.

Nonetheless, it was still extremely enjoyable for the fans. And now, almost 20 years later, a similar situation has unfolded in the UFC.

 

However, the MMA promotion doesn’t follow a script, and instead lives in a world of reality.

Thus, when Dorobshokh Nabotov hijacked yesterday’s press conference to plead for his opportunity to compete in the organization, the crowd went wild.