Russian social media star Hasbulla Magomedov has been accused of animal cruelty by fans after a video emerged of him punching and pulling his pet cat.
Magomedov, a 20-year-old Dagestani influencer with dwarfism that makes him look childlike, has shot to fame over the last few years with videos of his antics across social media. But many have said he's gone too far this time after a video recently resurfaced showing him getting a bit too aggressive while playing with his cat Barsik.
Hasbulla is a UFC ambassador and is regularly pictured with boss Dana White, often shows off his pets is his videos and claims to be an animal lover. Although many think he has crossed a line this time.
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One fan wrote on social media: "This is offensive and needs taking down. Anyone defending it has different values to a real person. RSPCA needs a look. Weird." Another added: "Big tough hasbulla hitting a cat but doesn't hit the people who make fun of him on internet all the time must of made him feel tough scaring a cat by punching it needs good knee to the head hasbulla does".
Others believe that he should have his cat, whose name is Barsik, taken away, with one writing: "This is the infamous Barsik, Hasbulla’s cat. He has stated that he loves this animal. Imagine what he would do if he hated Barsik? Abusing animals is the worst. We need to come together as a team and rescue Barsik from the evil and tiny hands of Hasbulla. #freebarsik."
Some fans jokingly referenced a series of now-deleted tweets from UFC legend Conor McGregor, who threatened to kick the Russian through a goalpost like a gaelic football. "I’d love to boot that little g*** Hasbulla over a goal post," He said in one message. "How much to get him on the volley? I’m gonna make it my mission to score a three pointer with him one day, hon the GAA."
The social media star was recently signed to the UFC on a promotional basis, with merchandise baring his likeness selling massive numbers for the MMA promotion. President Dana White is a big fan of Magomedov's, as are YouTube stars the Nelk boys, who have taken him under their wing in America as he attempts to broaden his appeal.
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