Bilal Hasan scores one-punch knockout in UFC Shanghai debut

2 sources3 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 10:47 AM

Last updated Aug 29, 2026

Bilal Hasan scores one-punch knockout in UFC Shanghai debut
Summary

Bilal Hasan made a remarkable debut at UFC Shanghai on August 29, 2026, knocking out Nilson Rojas in the second round. The fight took place at SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center, where both fighters entered with undefeated records of 9-0. Hasan’s performance included a strong start, utilizing quick kicks and counters before delivering a decisive right hand that ended the match at 2:28 of Round 2. His entrance featured a tribute to Michael Jackson, celebrating the late artist's birthday with a dance to 'Billie Jean.' With this victory, Hasan improved his professional record to 10-0, with eight knockouts in total.

Source Links
By the Numbers
  • Bilal Hasan knocks out Nilson Rojas at 2:28 of Round 2.
  • Both fighters entered with 9-0 records before the match.
  • Hasan's entrance paid tribute to Michael Jackson's legacy.
  • He improved to 10-0, with eight wins by knockout.
  • The event took place at SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai.
Latest Updates
  • 10:47 AMYahoo SportsUFC Shanghai video: Undefeated Bilal prospect debuts with spectacular 1-punch knockout, nails Michael Jackson moves
  • 10:47 AMMMA FightingUFC Shanghai video: Undefeated Bilal Hasan debuts with spectacular 1-punch knockout, nails Michael Jackson moves
What they're saying
"

SHANGHAI, CHINA - AUGUST 29: Bilal Hasan knocks out Nilson Rojas of Peru in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center on August 29, 2026 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Bilal Hasan could be the next big thing in the UFC flyweight division. The recent Dana White Contender Series standout made a spectacular debut at UFC Shanghai, first walking out with a Michael Jackson-inspired entrance on what would have been Jackson’s 68th birthday, and then delivering a thrilling performance capped off by a one-punch knockout over Nilson Rojas. Watch the amazing finish below. Bilal Hasan lives up to the hype with a blistering KO in his #UFC debut! pic.twitter.com/jbprvzrIA7 — MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) August 29, 2026 Hasan and Rojas both entered Saturday’s event with spotless 9-0 records, but Hasan was the more hyped prospect after earning a UFC contract on DWCS just 18 days ago. “The IndoNinja” didn’t notch another sub-one-minute knockout, but he showed plenty of the exciting striking that has fans drooling over the 25-year-old Hasan’s potential. Rojas was a game opponent, showing off solid boxing as he worked to get inside on the speedy Hasan, but Hasan was clearly a step ahead after the opening five minutes as he battered Rojas with laser-sharp kicks and fast counters, and even a little ground-and-pound. In Round 2, Hasan zeroed in and caught Rojas with a booming right hand that ended the contest, with the official time of the stoppage coming 2:28 into the period. For his entrance, Hasan danced down to the cage to the tune of Jackson’s classic song Billie Jean, and then just as he did on Contender Series, hit some more “King of Pop” moves to celebrate. Bilal Hasan might be the first person to Moonwalk out of The Octagon! 🕺#UFCShanghai | Stream TNT Sports on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/AQfsp1qUHc — UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) August 29, 2026 With the win, Hasan improved to 10-0 with eight of those wins coming by way of knockout.

"

Bilal Hasan had a star-making performance at UFC Shanghai

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days