Russian social media personality Hasbulla Magomedov came face to face with one of the most dangerous men in the world.
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is considered one of the most destructive athletes in the world. Despite Pereira's intimidating presence and sheer size, Hasbulla Magomedov wasn't fazed by the UFC giant during a recent showdown.
Pereira plots his UFC return after defeating Khalil Rountree Jr. has finished in his most recent title defense at UFC 307. He will likely face Magomedov's compatriot Magomed Ankalaev for his next title defense, although the Jamahal Hill vs. Jiří Procházka UFC 311 winner is also in the mix.
In the meantime, Pereira is enjoying some well-deserved time off as he plans his comeback in 2025. He's in Los Angeles, along with a number of other UFC highlights, for the first pay-per-view card of the year during UFC 311.
Hasbulla, a close ally of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, ran into Pereira backstage during Friday's ceremonial weigh-in. He baited Pereira into an impromptu confrontation, and while Pereira was the most intimidating presence, Hasbulla had the last laugh.
Photos by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC, Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Hasbulla sends off Alex Pereira after a face-off headbutt
Pereira crouched down to match Hasbulla's 3-foot frame and completed their confrontation backstage. After landing a forehead-to-forehead blow, Hasbulla headbutted the UFC light heavyweight champion, causing Pereira to lose balance and fall backwards.
It was a humorous moment for everyone involved, and it's safe to say Pereira didn't expect Hasbulla to be the more aggressive side in their staredown. But the UFC light heavyweight champion showed off his impressive durability in taking Hasbulla's head-to-head attack.
Makhachev, Renato Moicano and others then came face to face for the last time before UFC 311 kicked off on Saturday. In the co-main event, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will face Nurmagomedov's cousin Umar in his first title defense.
Alex Pereira looks ahead to another eventful year in the Octagon
Hasbulla is an avid UFC fan and attends many major events with Makhachev and other Dagestani fighters. He has a close relationship with UFC CEO Dana White and other top executives.
Pereira defeated Hill, Prochazka and Rountree in his strong case for 2024 Fighter of the Year. He is undefeated since making the full-time move to light heavyweight following a knockout loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287.
While Hasbulla has a cordial relationship with Pereira and other top UFC stars, one of the promotion's biggest names is not a fan of him. He has repeatedly taken shots at UFC superstar Conor McGregor in recent years and vowed to kick him if their paths ever crossed.
Hasbulla has become a colorful figure in the MMA community and will be cageside to watch Makhachev clash with Moicano at UFC 311. If other celebrities want to stare him down, they should be prepared for a possible headbutt.
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