Footage emerges of Hasbulla practising his menacing ring walk ahead of UFC debut, he means business

Footage has emerged of Hasbulla Magomedov practising his walk to the octagon, as the excitement continues to build over the internet star's UFC debut.

Hasbulla, who has a form of dwarfism, has become a hit name on social media, amassing more than three million followers on Instagram and two billion views on TikTok.

Earlier this month, UFC president Dana White confirmed the Russian star had been signed to the fighting promotion.

The 20-year-old was in the crowd at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi last weekend to watch his compatriot Islam Makhachev become the UFC lightweight champion with a victory over Charles Oliveira.

And it could soon be Hasbulla appearing in the octagon at a future UFC event.

Footage has emerged of the Russian, who stands at just 3ft 4 inches tall, practising his walk to the octagon at the Etihad Arena, ahead of last weekend's event.

In the clip, Hasbulla can be seen emerging from the tunnel at the arena, decked out in a tracksuit featuring his name.

With his hood up, he marches towards the centre of the arena before climbing the steps to the octagon, to cheers from a few of his supporters.

He then shadow-boxes to the camera before punching the lens.

Earlier this month, White confirmed Hasbulla has signed with the UFC and jokingly issued a warning to Conor McGregor, who has previously hit out at the Russian social media star.

"Yes, we did sign Hasbulla. What he's going to end up doing remains to be seen,” White told Robbie Fox.

When asked if McGregor had reached out to the diminutive Russian following his signing to the UFC, White added: "No!

“He shouldn't f*** around because he will get his ass whooped if he runs into him on the streets."