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Bilal Hasan has vaulted into the UFC conversation after a rare burst of form: two stoppages in just 18 days that have suddenly made him one of the most talked-about names in the flyweight division. The Indonesian prospect is already angling for a spot on a high-profile November card at Madison Square Garden, and he says he’s ready for whoever the promotion hands him next.
Hasan told reporters his immediate aim is to keep momentum and secure a meaningful next assignment as the calendar heads toward the end of the year. He has publicly suggested a few potential matchups and signaled he will accept fights that make sense with his team and the UFC’s plans.
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After his back-to-back knockouts, Hasan called out one fighter who competed on the same bill: Brazilian veteran Andre Lima. Hasan said he watched Lima’s win from the wings and thought a matchup would be a good way to add another highlight to his record.
At the same time, he acknowledged complications: Lima’s recent difficulties making the weight limit may push the Brazilian out of the flyweight ranks, which could remove him from consideration. Hasan also left the door open to established names such as Charles Johnson, noting he’s keeping options broad and will defer to his managers and coaches on what makes sense.
- Andre Lima — called out by Hasan; weight concerns could affect feasibility.
- Charles Johnson — experienced opponent who could provide a ranked test.
- Joshua Van — a longer-term, higher-profile matchup should both fighters continue to rise.
- Timing: Hasan indicated a likely target window of November–December for his next appearance.
Big-picture stakes
Why this matters: Hasan’s rapid surge changes matchmaking calculus in the flyweight picture. Two quick finishes not only boost his ranking prospects but also make him a commercially attractive option for cards that need compelling storylines and regional interest.
The prospect of a meeting with peers like Joshua Van carries competitive and promotional weight — a stylistically intriguing contest that could draw attention across Southeast Asia if matched correctly. Hasan believes such a fight would sell, and he expects the UFC to pair fighters when the timing and incentives line up.
Shanghai’s chaotic night
Hasan’s record-setting streak culminated on a frenetic card in Shanghai, an event marked by several viral moments inside and outside the octagon. Watching the post-fight scuffle involving Umar Nurmagomedov, Yadong Song and Usman Nurmagomedov from his hotel, Hasan described the scene as surreal and briefly entertained how one particular angle made it look as if a spinning elbow landed in the melee.
Beyond the spectacle, Hasan said the trip offered a rare chance to meet members of the Dagestani camp — a small but meaningful milestone for a fighter early in his UFC career — though he’s still hoping for a meeting with Khabib Nurmagomedov in the future.
What Hasan promised fans
Hasan closed the conversation by addressing supporters back home. He thanked Indonesian fans for their backing and promised to return before the year is out, aiming to keep his winning run alive and to continue building his profile for bigger opportunities.
“I’ll stay ready,” he said, “and when the right fight comes together with my coaches and management, we’ll take it.”
