Islam Makhachevs manager claims Hasbulla will be in his corner for Charles Oliveira lightweight t

Publish date: 2024-05-03

Islam Makhachev will have social media star Hasbulla in his corner when he fights for the UFC lightweight title, according to MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé will get his first shot at a world title when he takes on former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi on October 22.

Each fighter is allowed to bring three people to be in their corner at a UFC fight and Makachev is almost certain to have ‘The Eagle’ and his long-time coach Javier Mendez with him at the Etihad Arena.

Hasbulla, who was cageside to watch Makhachev’s last win in Abu Dhabi against Dan Hooker and recently became a UFC ambassador, will also be a part of the corner team according to Abdelaziz who responded ‘yes’ when asked if the 19-year-old will have an official role later this month.

However, it remains to be seen if the man who oversees the careers of Henry Cejudo, Justin Gaethje, Kamaru Usman, Kayla Harrison and many more is telling the truth or just trolling.

Hasbulla has become an internet sensation over the last year, partly due to his links with MMA fighters such as Nurmagomedov and Makhachev.

The 3ft 4in teenager has a genetic disorder that gives him characteristics such as stunted growth and a high voice. Although it has not been officially confirmed, it is believed he has a form of dwarfism.

Hasbulla was once linked to a fight with fellow social media personality Abdu Rozik, 18, who has a similar growth disorder, but nothing materialised, and fighting now appears to be off the table.

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The Russian was recently the victim of an unprovoked attack from Conor McGregor, who insulted him and threatened to kick him, starting the most unlikely beef of 2022.

“I’d love to boot that little g*** Hasbulla over a goal post. How much to get him on the volley? Little smelly inbred,” the Irishman tweeted.

‘Notorious’ later uploaded and quickly deleted a meme on Twitter that showed him strangling what appears to be a small toy that had its head replaced by Hasbulla’s.

He captioned the post: “Now what you saying you little gimp.”

It prompted a reply from Hasbulla, who requested that UFC president Dana White allows him to fight McGregor inside the Octagon: “Please make it happen, let me eat this chicken Conor McGregor.”

‘Notorious’ hasn’t fought since fracturing his tibia and fibula at UFC 264 in July 2021.

The 34-year-old is currently working his way back to full fitness ahead of an eagerly anticipated comeback in 2023 against a yet-to-be-decided opponent.

While Hasbulla wants to be considered for McGregor's comeback fight, it will never happen for numerous reasons. One of which is the fact McGregor is set to return at welterweight and the internet celebrity is quite a bit lighter than the 170lb limit.

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