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Cage Warriors Champion Travels Solo to Qatar, Makes Weight, Pleads for UFC Contract After No Pullouts

The self-funded gamble drew support from Umar Nurmagomedov, producing no immediate contract.

Overview

  • Justin Burlinson, the Cage Warriors welterweight titleholder, flew from the UK to Doha without a team and cut to 170 pounds in case of a short-notice opening.
  • Every fighter made weight for the UFC Qatar card, so no replacement was required and Burlinson did not get a bout.
  • During the post-weigh-in Q&A, Burlinson introduced himself and directly asked Dana White to sign him.
  • Umar Nurmagomedov publicly praised Burlinson’s initiative and expressed hope that the promotion would sign him.
  • Burlinson said he spent the equivalent of three months’ rent on the trip as fans launched social media appeals for him, highlighting his 10-2 record and current three-fight winning streak.