‘The real main event’: Viral sensation steals the show at UFC
The UFC can sometimes be on the border of descending into WWE-style antics as a viral sensation showdown showed at UFC 267.
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The UFC world was in awe of Glover Teixeira after he became the oldest first-time champion on Sunday morning.
But it was Russian sensation Hasbulla Magomedov who stole the show early after attending UFC 267 to support Islam Makhachev for his clash with Dan Hooker.
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Hasbulla, who is believed to have a form of dwarfism, is close with UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and called out Hooker earlier in the week.
“Dan Hooker, listen to me my brother. I’ll smash you, be careful,” he said in an Instagram video.
He also sent a warning to rival Abdul Rozik in the accompanying message: “I will smash your boy, [Abdu Rozik]”.
The Kiwi was more than happy to go along with it, responding later in the week.
“Who’s the other bloke?” he asked.
“Who’s the guy on my team? Abdul [Rozik]? Abdul’s on my team.
“I got a horse on the race now. Now I’m training my boy. I’m training my boy up […] no word of a lie, I’m not even s****ing. Abdul’s on my team. Hasbulla can be on his team.
“He’s picked his horse, he’s picked a losing horse. Game on, baby!”
Unfortunately for Hooker, it was Hasbulla and Makhachev who had the last laugh, with the Russian securing a first-round submission win.
Hasbulla was hoisted into the air after the fight by Nurmagomedov but the two later went to support Hooker in a show of sportsmanship.
What better way for @MAKHACHEVMMA to celebrate his win than with Hasbulla? 😅 #UFC267pic.twitter.com/034vOwSg18
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 30, 2021
Khabib and Hasbulla go over to Dan Hooker to pay their respect. #UFC267pic.twitter.com/p9n4maAfqa
— Farah Hannoun (@Farah_Hannoun) October 30, 2021
It was far from the only Hasbulla highlight on the night, with the Russian also cheekily punching Daniel Cormier and also getting into a stoush with Abdul.
“That was funny,” UFC boss Dana White laughed in the post-event press conference.
“I don’t know what the deal is with those two.”
The REAL Main Event! #UFC267
— Darren Russell (@DarrenRussell_) October 30, 2021
Hasbulla vs. Abdu Rozik pic.twitter.com/V3zMV4llUs
Can’t believe I dropped my hands around this guy! I deserved it pic.twitter.com/9wnwGAPEba
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) October 30, 2021
Originally published as ‘The real main event’: Viral sensation steals the show at UFC
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