Fans who say Dana White no longer knows his own roster may have been further vindicated on Thursday.
The UFC president is in Abu Dhabi this week as his promotion stages the annual October numbered event at the Etihad Arena.
Two title fights top the UFC 333 card, with two-time featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defending against Movsar Evloev in the main event after Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili co-headlines with the bantamweight gold on the line.
A number of other prominent names will be in action on October 24, but White somehow did not recognize one who has been on his roster for a decade.
Who finishes this bantamweight trilogy on top at UFC 333? 👀
Fans think Dana White did not recognize Alexander Volkov in the crowd at the UFC 333 press conference
Among those setting the stage for the two championship bouts at UFC 333 is Alexander Volkov.
The Russian heavyweight has competed in MMA’s leading promotion since 2016 and has featured in seven main events.
But that long stint near the top of a division was not enough to keep his face in the memory of Dana White.
During Thursday’s press conference, Volkov appeared in the crowd to ask a question, having not been put on stage to appear alongside his UFC 333 opponent, Rizvan Kuniev.
‘Drago’ asked the UFC boss what he must do to secure a title shot, having missed out on an opportunity that many believe he deserved over Josh Hokit for later this year.
He did not get an answer, largely because it appeared that White had absolutely no idea who he was until Volkanovski reminded him.
White claimed he was playing along when the featherweight champ tried to help him out, but fans online are not convinced.
- LATEST NEWS: Merab Dvalishvili could have another trilogy match away from the UFC after facing Petr Yan again
Alexander Volkov asked Dana White how to get a title shot at the UFC 333 press conference 😭
🗣️ Dana: “How old are you? What are you looking for, how can we help you?”
🗣️ Volkov: “I want to become UFC champion. What should I do to get a title shot?”
🗣️ Dana: “Talk to Sean and Mick.”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 22, 2026
Many were quick to react to the awkward moment online, expressing surprise and frustration that the UFC boss seemingly didn’t even know who Volkov was.
“Volkanovski had to tell him who he was 😭😭 wtf is going on man.”
“Wow. I actually think Dana didn’t recognize Volkov. That’s insane.”
“Dana had zero idea that was Volkov and that he’s fighting on this card. Tried the ‘playing along’ gimmick.”
“This is so embarrassing for Dana.”
“He knew after Volkanovski told him and decided to play along with ‘how old are you’. Before he had no idea.”
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