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Bilal Hasan delivered exactly the kind of performance Dana White looks for on Dana White’s Contender Series, then added a celebration that made his arrival impossible to miss. The undefeated flyweight prospect stopped Mridul Saikia in just 45 seconds before moonwalking across the cage and later thanking UFC CEO Dana White as “Daddy Dana.”
The former Cage Fury Fighting Championships flyweight champion quickly demonstrated why the hype surrounding him had become so significant. While it’s far too early to predict whether or not he fares well in the UFC given his level of competition thus far, it’s clear that the Indonesian fighter is one of the more exciting prospects to watch.
Hasan’s Knockout Performance
The 25-year-old wasted little time establishing his offense. Hasan opened with side kicks before mixing in a heavy low kick, while Saikia attempted to answer with a calf kick that left him vulnerable to the counter.
Hasan immediately capitalized with a powerful right hand that dropped Saikia. He followed his opponent to the canvas and unleashed additional punches until the referee intervened at the 45-second mark of the opening round (via UFC on Paramount on X):
The biggest favorite in #DWCS history only needed 45 seconds to get this one done!
Bilal Hasan is UNBELIEVABLE inside the Octagon!
[ LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/uyiENO9ltD
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) August 12, 2026
The official result was a first-round TKO for Hasan, moving his professional record to 9-0. The victory also preserved his unbeaten record while adding another stoppage to a résumé that already featured seven knockouts and one submission, according to MMA Mania.
Hasan Moonwalks After Victory
For Hasan, however, the night was about more than simply winning. After the stoppage, he celebrated by performing a moonwalk inside the cage, paying homage to Michael Jackson and providing one of the most memorable celebrations from the opening week of Season 10.
Moonwalking straight like MJ
{ #DWCS | Bilal Hasan | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/eVzNoa2Inp
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) August 12, 2026
Hasan has previously showcased his admiration for Michael Jackson, pulling off a slick moonwalk right after demolishing his opponent Jacob Romano with an even slicker wheel kick:
BILAL MFIN HASAN!!!
Walkout to whatever song you want, kid!!!!!#CFFC129pic.twitter.com/db5dKSzkAt
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) February 10, 2024
Billie Jean is definitely not his lover.
Thanking ‘Daddy Dana’
On top of his explosive arrival, Hasan then made his intentions clear as he looked toward the next stage of his career.
Bilal Hasan is ready for Daddy Dana to award him a contract
[ #DWCS | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/2P4Z7XCNKm
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) August 12, 2026
“I’m striving for greatness and can’t wait to get my contract from Daddy Dana,” he said in his post-fight interview with commentator Laura Sanko.
White ultimately gave Hasan exactly what he wanted. After the first episode of Season 10, Hasan was among four fighters awarded UFC contracts, joining Joseph Kropschot, Thomas Pagliarulo and Anthony Wint.
INDONESIA, STAND UP
Bilal Hasan is officially a UFC fighter after securing a contract from #DWCS!
[ LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/MhUPFcSqge
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) August 12, 2026
White was particularly impressed by Hasan’s ability to live up to enormous expectations. “This is an absolute no-brainer,” White said, adding that Hasan “absolutely lived up to” the hype surrounding him.
White also emphasized the significance of Hasan entering the fight as the biggest favorite in Contender Series history.
“When you’re the biggest favorite in the history of the Contender Series, 10 years,” White said. “That’s how you treat somebody, and you absolutely did.”
Hasan’s response after receiving the contract was fittingly playful. He thanked White with the simple declaration, “Thank you, Daddy Dana.”
Thank you Daddy Dana
Bilal Hasan is ready for the flyweight divison!
[ #DWCS | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/3SJTpJkQDk
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) August 12, 2026
Career Leading Up to UFC
Hasan also carried considerable experience into his Contender Series appearance. I have been following his run as the Cage Fury FC flyweight champion, where he defended the belt three times before receiving his opportunity on Dana White’s prospect showcase.
His final title defense in the promotion against Renaldy Manse was an absolute masterclass in striking (via UFC Fight Pass):
The 25 year old prospect also has submission wins under his belt. Just look at this slick back take to end his fight against Jose Leon to win the Cage Fury belt back in 2024:
EVERY FIGHT IT’S SOMETHING NEW WITH BILAL HASAN#CFFC136pic.twitter.com/cI4dEfFibK
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) September 28, 2024
The combination of spectacular finishing ability paired with his bold persona outside of the cage should make him a memorable addition to the UFC audience.
At 9-0 and only 25 years old, Hasan now enters the UFC with significant momentum. His Contender Series performance introduced the flyweight division to a new, young fighter who appears determined to bring both elite finishing ability and plenty of personality to the Octagon.
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This story was originally published August 12, 2026 at 12:37 AM.