One of the most lingering questions that mixed martial arts fans are having for the past year, is when the sport’s two biggest names- Hasbulla Magomedov and the UFC, will come together, and the sport’s biggest star will make his debut in the sport’s biggest promotion, and none other than Dana White has confirmed that its happening this August 20th.
Dana White confirms Hasbulla vs Abdu Rozik for UFC 278 on 20th August
Hailing from Makhachkala, the capital of the Russian republic of Dagestan, Hasbulla Magomedov became the most popular name in combat sports in 2021. The social media and TikTok star have become a widely popular figure in the mixed martial arts community courtesy of the buildup to his fight against Tajik rap artist Abdu Rozik.
Even though his fight against Rozik never became a reality, Hasbulla continued to stay a the peak of fame among MMA fans around the world for his online presence. A close friend of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Hasbulla even earned the nickname of ‘Mini Khabib’ for his impersonation of the undefeated legend. However, the MMA fans have always wanted to see the fight happening.
Now, we finally have an answer to that question. As per Dana White, the president of UFC himself, Hasbulla will make his much awaited debut in the Octagon, taking on his longtime rival Abdu Rozik on 20th August this year- the date when UFC 278 takes place.
Recently during an episode of the Spinnin Backfist Podcast on Barstool Sports, White was asked about “The biggest fight in MMA”- Hasbulla vs Abdu Rozik, and the UFC chief bantered by saying that the fight will be a part of the upcoming UFC 278 event on August 20th.
We finally have a date for Hasbulla’s UFC debut per @danawhite on the @SpinninBackfist show.
August 20th against Abdu Rozik.
Get training @Hasbulla_NFT pic.twitter.com/vQAnkRKZXx
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 7, 2022
Two fights have been confirmed to take place at UFC 278 so far. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold is set to take on Paulo Costa at the event, along with a Flyweight bout between Victor Altamirano and Jake Hadley is also announced.
Previously, White had expressed doubt whether Hasbulla would actually ever make his Octagon debut. “I don’t know if he wants to get involved. From what I hear, his father is super protective of him. If that’s the case, you don’t want your kid fighting,” the UFC prez had said on Pardon My Take podcast in November last year.
While Dana White jokes about Hasbulla and Abdu making their UFC debut, the Dagestani social media star has already graced the promotion with his appearance. Back in October last year at UFC 267, Hasbulla joined his friend and former Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov ringside to cheer for Islam Makhachev who defeated Dan Hooker.
What do you think of Dana White confirming Hasbulla’s UFC debut vs Abdu Rozik on August 20th? Let us know in the comment section below.
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