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

Undefeated prospect Bilal Hasan is embracing the cosmic significance of his UFC debut, which coincides with Michael Jackson's birthday. Hasan will make his Octagon debut against fellow promotional newcomer Nilson Rojas at UFC Shanghai on August 29, a date the Chinese fighter views as almost prophetic given his admiration for the King of Pop.

Hasan earned his UFC contract via Dana White's Contender Series Season 10 and will open the UFC Shanghai main card against the unbeaten Rojas. Both fighters are making their promotional debuts in what shapes up as a battle between two unblemished prospects.

The prospect has made clear his ambitions extend beyond simply securing a victory. Hasan is planning a special walkout tribute to Jackson and has vowed to deliver a complete performance from start to finish. "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." Despite the surreal nature of fighting halfway across the world on such a meaningful date, Hasan appears fully prepared to capitalize on the moment and make an impressive first impression inside the Octagon.