Hasbulla Magomedov, 19, has reportedly signed an exclusive deal with the UFC, worth more than some fighters.
Hasbulla who hails from Dagestan, Russia, became an internet sensation almost overnight in 2021. The Dagestani, also known as “Mini-Khabib”, first came to the public eye when he was squared off against Abdu Rozik, and the two started swinging like they were in a bar fight.
Two men swinging for each other during a staredown doesn’t just get you viral on the internet. Magomedov and his counterpart Rozik have a genetic condition known as Growth Hormone Deficiency. The genetic disorder means they both are around 3 feet in height. It also affects their voices, meaning that although they are 19, their voices are like mine and yours on helium.
Hasbulla hasn’t let his condition in the way. In fact, he has used it to amount to massive success.
So why the interest of the UFC?
Hasbulla is as charismatic as they come. He doesn’t let his small stature get in the way of being a badass. He’s met the likes of UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, Basketball Legend Shaquille O’Neal (who is over 7ft tall), and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Hasbulla punched each one of these men in the face. In a jokey sort of way. But you wouldn’t catch many others throwing hands at these legends. Well, not me, at least.
His online presence is certainly something to behold too. He boasts over 3 million followers on Instagram and over 2 billion views on TikTok. As an example, current Welterweight champion Leon Edwards currently has 694,000 followers on Instagram. Far, far less than Hasbulla.
Conor McGregor, the UFC’s biggest superstar, has also been tweeting about Hasbulla. Calling him things like an ‘inbred’ and ‘gimp’. Conor’s beef has now extended past Dagestani Khabib to fellow Dagestani, Hasbulla. But Conor McGregor mentioning you on social media will only drive further attention to your name and brand. A plus for Hasbulla, surely.
The report
I must stress, and without making this article too clickbaity. Hasbulla is not stepping in the cage for the UFC. I’m not sure they’d have a weight class for the man. The report of Hasbulla signing for the UFC is a PR/media role. We expect to see him cage-side for events as well as in promo features etc.
The initial report comes from Igor Lazorin. Lazorin is a combat sports journalist from Russia and broke the news on his official Instagram page. Hasbulla then posted a story on his official Instagram stating he had signed a 5-year deal.
Hasbulla Joins UFC
What do you think of Hasbulla working with the UFC? Do you think it’s a good move from him and the UFC?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
