Just weeks after learning he’s signed a five-year contract with the UFC, it has been revealed that Dagestani social media sensation – Hasbulla Magomedov – will be in his compatriot Islam Makhachev’s corner when the latter faces off against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 280.
The news came to light after it was announced by Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA management, who retains a high-profile stable of clients range from known Hasbulla and Makhachev associate slash retired UFC great Khabib Nurmagomedov, former UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, to Justin Gaethje, reigning PFL lightweight queen Kayla Harrison, and plenty others.
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“Hasbulla and Khabib will be in the corner of Islam Makhachev during his fight with Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi,” said Ali Abdelaziz.
The knowledge and expertise Khabib offers requires zero explanation. After his bout against Dan Hooker at UFC 267 – which Hasbulla was also in attendance for – Islam Makhachev himself admitted having his longtime friend and coach in the corner was “a little bit cheating.”
With the hard-earned combat wisdom of Hasbulla on top of everything at UFC 280, however, this might actually be a lock for Islam Makhachev — and Charlies Oliveira may very well be in danger here (/sarcasm).
On a more serious notes, this all appears to be some sort of tie-in with the aforementioned five-year UFC contract Hasbulla Magomedov signed last month. According to MMA journalist Igor Lazorin, “Mini Khabib” has reportedly agreed to attend a few key numbered events and engage in media activity on behalf of the promotion.
“We will not talk too much in detail, but he’s getting more than most fighters,” said Lazorin.
While the promotion itself has still yet to confirm this blockbuster development, it isn’t terribly surprising considering how Hasbulla has long been a fixture of modern MMA culture. It’s also no secret Hasbulla has what Tony Ferguson hilariously dubbed “Dana White Privilege.” Because like many of us, the UFC president is quite fond of young Hasbi.
“So I’m going to tell you something. So the video that he sent saying: ‘Dana White I’m coming to Abu Dhabi and UFC,’” Dana White noted during an interview with Barstool Sports conducted by Robbie Fox ahead of UFC 268: Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington II.
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“When I posted that with me on the plane saying, ‘I’m coming,’ it’s the biggest post that I’ve ever posted. I have 6.7 million followers on Instagram. 6.4 million people watched that video. Is that fucking crazy?!”
When prompted about the possibility of Hasbulla gloving up to headline an actual UFC fight event, potentially against his arch-nemesis Abdu Rozik, White simply replied:
“I love the kid. Is there more than a zero percent chance? Yes.”
But Abdu might have to get in line for a shot at the big dog. By the sounds of things, iconic wildman Conor McGregor would love a chance to settle their heated rivalry once and for all.
What a timeline we’re living in right now…
