Hasbulla Magomedov

Hasbulla Magomedov was born and grew up in Makhachkala, Dagestan. He began posting on Instagram and TikTok during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing humorous clips, lifestyle content and videos featuring his hotheaded persona.

His online popularity grew rapidly after a video in which he imitated MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov went viral. Joe Rogan later referred to him as “Mini Khabib,” a nickname that became closely associated with his public identity.

Hasbulla has been diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, a genetic condition associated with limited growth. The condition has been linked to his small stature, childlike facial features and high-pitched voice.

His height is given in the identity record as 99 centimetres, and his weight as 16 kilograms. His condition became part of the public discussion surrounding his social-media persona, although his content has also focused on comedy, cars, travel and combat-sports theatrics.

Hasbulla’s popularity expanded sharply in May 2021 after a pre-fight press conference with Tajik singer Abdu Rozik. Their exchanges became viral entertainment content, and the proposed fight attracted criticism from the Russian Dwarf Athletic Association as unethical. The bout did not take place.

Hasbulla has also built an association with Khabib Nurmagomedov through photographs and social-media appearances. He has appeared in videos with Russian fighters and posted clips of boxing, sparring, weight training and grappling, generally as part of his online entertainment persona rather than a documented professional fighting career.

Cars are a recurring theme in Hasbulla’s social-media videos. He has been shown with BMWs and Mercedes-AMG vehicles, driving on beaches, riding quad bikes and sitting at the wheel of cars while supported by another driver.

His online stunts have also included videos involving weapons and traffic-related antics. In May 2023, he was arrested in Dagestan with friends after a wedding celebration that involved vehicles blocking traffic, doughnuts and burnouts at busy intersections. The group faced administrative violations for breaking traffic laws.

Hasbulla appeared at Australian meet-and-greet events in Sydney on August 29-30, 2022, and in Melbourne on August 31 and September 1, 2022. The appearances formed part of his international expansion as a social-media personality.

He has also made international appearances in the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. His public activities have included interviews, fan events and licensed merchandise, including a Panini America UFC rookie trading card scheduled for release in 2023.