Forbes recently highlighted that Khasbulla Magomedov, known online as Khasbik, has earned about 150 million rubles over the last three years. In September 2022, he joined the UFC and soon appeared in the official video game based on the championship. Notably, Hasbullah stands at 93 cm tall and weighs about 20 kg, and he never engaged in sports in a conventional sense. This article explains how Hasbik gained global recognition.
Who is Hasbik
Khasbulla Magomedov was born in the Dagestan region, in the village of Novy Khushet, around 2002. Doctors attribute his short stature, light weight, and a distinctly childlike voice to a rare genetic condition. He stopped growing at age five. Hasbik says he is developmentally on track for his age and does not view himself as disabled.
Strawberries are the bomb, to be honest. How the internet discovered Hasbik
In 2019, a wave of bloggers sought fame on TikTok. Hasbik posted his first videos there, including one in which he simply eats strawberries and extols their flavor. That clip exploded in popularity, and the catchphrase Strawberries are the bomb, to be honest became a widely shared meme.
Many videos went viral, yet not everyone behind them became wealthy. Hasbik benefited from a key connection that propelled him to real stardom and brought in his first significant earnings.
Collaboration with Askhab Tamaev. Legendary fight with Abdurozik that did not happen
Askhab Tamaev, sometimes called the Chechen Hulk, is a sports-focused blogger who helped Hasbik gain exposure. He invited Hasbik to participate in joint videos. The first film was titled Khasbulla and Tamaev. One day with an 18-year-old blogger. At the time of writing, the clip had millions of views. Hasbik earned 25,000 rubles for it.
Eleven additional videos followed, each paying Hasbik around 300,000 rubles. Soon Tamaev invited Hasbik to join a fight under MMA rules against a similarly built opponent. Abdurozik, a Tajik singer, replied to the proposal.
In one frame, Hasbik appeared on the left, Abdurozik on the right, and Tamaev in the center. The media buildup resembled UFC style, with threats online, a face-to-face encounter, and a planned press event. Yet the plan unraveled when the two sides could not agree on compensation. Hasbik refused a 7 million rubles offer, asking for nearly three times that amount, which reportedly did not satisfy the organizers.
Watch fights under the auspices of the UFC?
Contract with UFC and the clash with Conor McGregor
While this drama unfolded, Hasbik grew his social presence and took on advertising deals. He has claimed to avoid promoting betting, even as many advertisers pursued him. In December 2021, Hasbik released his own NFT collection, which reportedly earned about $1.2 million. The result: Hasbik was no longer living in obscurity.
UFC executives saw potential in Hasbik. In September 2022, he signed a five-year contract. He then began traveling to events, appearing at the edge of the octagon to greet winners. Official merchandise bearing his image surfaced, and he was added as a paid skin in EA Sports UFC 4. The agreement does not guarantee his participation in real bouts, so the previously discussed duel with a similarly sized opponent may never happen.
There was also a public clash with Conor McGregor, known for a combative online persona. The exchanges between Hasbik and McGregor drew significant attention, and several athletes weighed in on the feud. Many viewed the clashes as calculated publicity, which aligns with how Hasbik builds his brand.
The figure of 150 million rubles, roughly $2 million, was reported by Forbes as Hasbik’s earnings over the prior three years. The article also stated that his five-year UFC deal could bring him around $1 million annually. Yet estimates from Askhab Tamaev put the total much lower, at about 30 million rubles. The exact total remains contested. Hasbik himself has challenged Forbes on the article and threatened a legal response.
Hasbik’s appeal lies in his ability to entertain on camera. His distinctive appearance and voice make him compelling to watch. The UFC contract has sparked debate: some say he has little to do with traditional sport, while others believe his presence could broaden the UFC audience. There is likely a kernel of truth in both views.
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In today’s digital era, many once-anonymous figures rise to fame overnight. Curious about their journeys? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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