The common goal among most up-and-coming regional (or international) mixed martial arts (MMA) prospects is to one day compete for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Other major promotions such as Bellator MMA, Professional Fighter’s Leagues, and ONE Championship are not far behind. Literally, countless prospects across the globe are all working toward the same career goal, making it difficult to stand out in the sea of competition. As often as possible, MMAmania.com will highlight a different combat sports prospect to keep your eyes on.
Bilal Hasan
Age: 24
Height: 5’7”
Weight class: Flyweight
Record: 8-0
Gym: Charlie’s Combat Club
The UFC Flyweight division is deeper — and more exciting — than it has ever been. And there’s one regional standout who could step into the mix tomorrow and make an immediate impact both inside and outside the cage.
At just 24 years old, Washington-based Bilal Hasan looks like the total package. In fact, I think he is the best lighter-weight prospect currently competing outside of the UFC.
First and foremost: he can fight.
Hasan is the reigning CFFC Flyweight champion. He comes from a Taekwondo background and won gold in the junior male flyweight division at the 2017 Pan American Championships. The striking foundation shows. He’s crisp, explosive, and carries legitimate knockout power. And while striking is his calling card, he’s more than capable if the fight hits the mat.
Hasan owns an 88 percent finish rate with six knockouts. The only time he’s gone to the judges was in his professional debut. Since then, he’s added seven violent finishes to his resume — spinning wheel kicks, body-shot stoppages, one-punch knockouts. The guy doesn’t just win; he creates highlights.
But the skill set is only part of what makes him different.
Hasan has the gift of the gab. He doesn’t rely on trash talk or manufactured beef to sell himself. He’s positive, self-aware, and naturally charismatic. Put a microphone in front of him and he’ll make fans within seconds. That personality translates to social media, where he boasts over 175,000 followers at the time of this writing — a massive number for a regional Flxyweight.
Exciting fighter? Check.
Marketable and articulate? Check.
Regional champion? Check.
And then there’s the global angle.
Hasan represents Indonesia — a country with a growing hunger for MMA but very little high-level representation on the world stage. He’s become their guy, and it shows in the engagement. Veteran journalist John Morgan pointed out to me that Hasan’s post-fight interviews routinely surpass 20,000 views on YouTube — eye-popping numbers for a regional prospect — with several clearing 100,000.
With the UFC expanding streaming rights in Indonesia, the timing feels almost too perfect.
Simply put, Hasan looks ready. While his style is tailor-made for Contender Series, waiting until late summer feels unnecessary. He could be plugged into a UFC card tomorrow — ideally, he would’ve already been considered for something like UFC Seattle.
He’s undefeated. He’s exciting. He moves the needle.
And it feels like only a matter of time.
Check out some of his highlights below:
