Dana White seems not to know Alexander Volkov at UFC 333 Abu Dhabi press conference

Alexander Volkov, a UFC heavyweight since 2016 who fights Rizvan Kuniev at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, asked the UFC president how to earn a title shot and did not get an answer.

Dana White seemed not to know who Alexander Volkov was when the Russian heavyweight asked him a question from the crowd at Thursday's UFC 333 press conference in Abu Dhabi.

Volkov has fought in the UFC since 2016 and has headlined seven events. He is on Saturday's card at the Etihad Arena against Rizvan Kuniev but was not put on stage alongside his opponent, so he joined the audience to put his question to the UFC president.

Volkov wanted to know what he must do to fight for the title. Many believe he deserved the heavyweight opportunity that went to Josh Hokit for later this year. White's first response was: “How old are you? What are you looking for, how can we help you?” Volkov said: “I want to become UFC champion. What should I do to get a title shot?” White replied: “Talk to Sean and Mick.”

Volkov did not get a real answer, and White appeared to have no idea who he was until Alexander Volkanovski, who was on stage, reminded him. White said he had been playing along when the featherweight champion tried to help him out. Many viewers online doubted that, saying White had not recognised Volkov or known he was fighting on the card.

Volkanovski defends his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev in Saturday's main event. Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili meet for the bantamweight title in the co-main event.

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