Bilal Hasan sees ‘prophecy’ in UFC debut on Michael Jackson’s birthday

Bilal Hasan's Ultimate Fighting Championship debut feels written in the stars.

The undefeated prospect will make his Octagon debut against fellow promotional newcomer Nilson Rojas at UFC Shanghai on Aug. 29, with the significance of the date not lost on Hasan.

Bilal Hasan plans a special walkout for his UFC Shanghai fight against Nilson Rojas
Hasan takes on Rojas on Michael Jackson's birthday, a coincidence he described as almost prophetic.

“It still feels so surreal to be halfway across the world fighting in China on August 29th on Michael Jackson's birthday,” Hasan said in a recent interview. “Sounds like something out of like a prophecy or something like that. It still doesn't feel real.”

Hasan, a big fan of “The King of Pop,” plans to make the occasion memorable with his walkout.

“I have a sick walkout planned,” he added.

The matchup will open the UFC Shanghai main card, giving Hasan his first opportunity to compete since earning his contract on Week 1 of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10.

Rojas will also make his UFC debut at the event, pitting two unbeaten prospects against one another. Hasan has emphasized that he wants to do more than simply win, aiming to give fans a complete performance.

“They're going to expect a performance from start to finish,” Hasan said. “They're going to be watching every second of it and they're going to be seeing me enjoying every second of it.”

"It's everything I envisioned it to be."

Bilal Hasan reflects on the past several weeks of his career as he prepares to make the walk in his debut at #UFCShanghai

More ➡️ https://t.co/yZhKLYUBRXpic.twitter.com/o4LwxME92Z— UFC News (@UFCNews) August 25, 2026