Hasan Sees 'Prophecy' In UFC Debut Date

Bilal Hasan will make his UFC debut against Nilson Rojas at UFC Shanghai on Aug. 29, a date that carries special meaning for the undefeated prospect.

The coincidence of fighting on Michael Jackson's birthday struck Hasan as almost otherworldly. "It still feels so surreal to be halfway across the world fighting in China on August 29th on Michael Jackson's birthday," he told Sherdog. "Sounds like something out of like a prophecy or something like that. It still doesn't feel real."

Hasan Plans Michael Jackson Walkout For Shanghai Bout

A longtime admirer of the King of Pop, Hasan intends to mark the occasion with his cage entrance. "I have a sick walkout planned," he said. The matchup opens the UFC Shanghai main card, giving both fighters their first Octagon appearance after earning contracts on Dana White's Contender Series.

Hasan earned his spot on Week 1 of the show's tenth season and now faces another unbeaten newcomer in Rojas. Per Sherdog, he wants more than a simple victory — he's aiming for a complete showing from bell to bell. "They're going to expect a performance from start to finish," Hasan said. "They're going to be watching every second of it and they're going to be seeing me enjoying every second of it."

UFC Shanghai takes place Saturday with the Hasan-Rojas pairing kicking off pay-per-view coverage.

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• Sherdog — Bilal Hasan sees ‘prophecy’ in UFC debut on Michael Jackson’s birthday