Hasbulla has signed a lucrative five-year deal with the UFC which will see him take part in media activity at events.
The Russian star, who has growth hormone deficiency (GHD), shot to fame after hosting a mock press conference with his long-term rival Abdu Rozik who has a similar genetic condition. His popularity has seen him thrust into the limelight, which is also down to his close friendship with retired star Khabib Nurmagomedov and protege Islam Makhachev.
Many have called for the rising star to compete in the UFC, and he has even held talks with Dana White pleading for his chance to take on either Rozik or Conor McGregor in the octagon. White has admitted to being impressed with his star quality having seen huge interest around events with the star in attendance.
And according to MMA reporter Igor Lazorin, he will now have an official partnership with the MMA promotion having inked a five-year deal to work with the UFC in a media relation. Lazorin wrote on his Instagram : "Hasbulla signed a five year contract with UFC! So far in the plan – attending tournaments, media activity.
"We will not talk about the amounts in detail, but there they are such that many fighters do not get that much. Hasbulla signed 5 year contract with UFC! No fights yet, but...”
UFC president White first met Hasbulla at UFC 267 last year in Abu Dhabi where he attended friend Makhachev's victory over Dan Hooker. During his appearance, the 19-year-old clashed with bitter foe Rozik cageside at the event which generated huge intrigue across the UFC fanbase.
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Hasbulla was heavily linked with an appearance in the cage last year after White refused to rule out promoting one of his fights, and he has even issued a challenge to McGregor at UFC 280. He appeared to confirm the news of his contract: "I don’t follow bums… I didn’t know someone was running their mouth, @ me next time.
"I have my UFC contract now. If Conor McGregor is really a man… see me in Abu Dhabi. Got smashed by Khabib already. Guess his money from Mayweather ran out and he needs more attention."
He later added: "Hey uncle Dana White and UFC please make it happen," he tweeted. "Let me eat this chicken Conor McGregor. I'm hungry, I’ll smash him with my mountain spirit. My brother Khabib [Nurmagomedov] smashed him and all his team, now is my time to rise!"
