Remember Dagestani influencer Hasbulla? The man who got famous for looking like a child, because of a growth hormone deficiency. The fellow, known for sucker-punching even the most intimidating of fighters (Mike Tyson included). It really is all fun and games— the 22-year-old influencer from Russia, who looks more like a 5-year-old, is hard not to notice given his frame and stature. Anyone who comes into contact with him is amused by him. And his ‘cuteness’ is the reason he gets away with punching scary people. Not Tom Aspinall, though, who isn’t shy to give one back if he received one.

Hasbulla’s claim to fame has came from Dagestani roots, and his association to Khabib Nurmagomedov. He has even been bestowed the title of ‘Mini Khabib’. But the 3’4″ personality often gets carried away while meeting UFC fighters, often punching them as his trademark move. He has punched ‘The Eagle’ and his former teammate, Daniel Cormier, and even sneaked one in on the former light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira. But Tom Aspinall is not a big fan of that aspect of Hasbulla.

Hasbulla’s trademark punch isn’t just limited to UFC fighters, but he’s done it to other sporting stars as well, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal being one of them. While he’s still a Hasbulla fan, Tom Aspinall warned the 22-year-old that he doesn’t appreciate people getting physical with him, especially when he’s not anticipating it. “Just to add, big fan of Hasbulla, seems like a lovely little fella.. but if he punched me when I wasn’t looking, he’d get one right back the little sh-t,” the UFC interim champion tweeted in 2022.

Imagine that. A hulking Aspinall gobsmacking a tiny Hasbulla. Of course Hasbulla wouldn’t have to worry, given that he has the backing of the whole Dagestani camp behind him. And if that doesn’t work out, he stil always has Dana White’s support, who brought him in as an influencer for the UFC, particulatly when star Dagestani fighters compete. In fact, the UFC CEO even defended him from a reporter once. Here’s what he had to say.

Dana White defended Hasbulla from the media

Dana White has always deemed Hasbulla as a “nice kid,” and they’ve both been in a mutually beneficial relationship with regard to the UFC. So it was no surprise that the 55-year-old stood up for the Dagestan native when a reporter, during a Power Slap press conference, asked White if he could plan a matchup between Hasbulla and fellow influencer Abdu Rozik. The two influencers have publicly beefed online, making for some memorable moments from their interaction.

However, the UFC CEO dismissed this idea and even took a swipe at the reporter and questioned their intentions in bringing up the idea of making Hasbulla and Abdu Rozik fight. “Do we really want to see those two fight? I mean, come on,” said Dana White. “You are all sick f—ing individuals, every one of you in this room. No, sir! This answer is no, I would not make those guys fight.”

Well, what do you think of Tom Aspinall’s views about Hasbulla’s punching spree? Was his reaction warranted? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.