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DWCS 87 – Bilal Hasan has officially earned his place on the UFC roster after producing one of the most impressive performances of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10, Week 1.
The Indonesian flyweight delivered a devastating first round TKO against India’s Mridul Saikia at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas on August 11, finishing the fight at 45 seconds. His explosive victory earned him a UFC contract and extended his professional record to 9 wins, 0 losses and 1 no contest.
Hasan entered the DWCS 87 bout carrying enormous expectations. UFC reported that he was the biggest favorite in Contender Series history, with his price sitting around minus 5000 before the fight. Rather than allowing the pressure to affect him, the former CFFC flyweight champion produced a quick and emphatic finish.
Bilal Hasan overwhelms Mridul Saikia
Hasan immediately took control of the contest by pressing Saikia backward and using his kicks to establish range. Saikia attempted to respond with a leg kick, but Hasan read the attack perfectly.
The Indonesian prospect then landed a massive overhand right that sent Saikia crashing to the canvas.
Hasan wasted no time following up. He moved into range and unleashed a rapid series of punches on the ground, forcing referee Herb Dean to intervene after just 45 seconds.
The finish showcased Hasan’s ability to combine pressure, timing and power. He did not give Saikia an opportunity to recover once the right hand connected.
The DWCS 87 performance also continued a remarkable finishing trend in Hasan’s career. UFC reported that eight of his nine professional victories have come inside the distance, highlighting the finishing ability that made him such an attractive prospect for the UFC.
Hasan celebrates with a Michael Jackson moonwalk
After the referee stopped the contest, Hasan delivered another memorable moment inside the Meta APEX.
The Indonesian fighter cleared the center of the cage and performed a Michael Jackson style moonwalk to celebrate his victory. The unusual celebration added another memorable touch to an already spectacular UFC audition.
MMA Junkie described the performance as a certain contract winning display, while UFC President Dana White ultimately welcomed Hasan to the UFC roster alongside three other Contender Series winners.
For Hasan, the victory was the culmination of a long pursuit of his UFC opportunity. His confidence was evident throughout fight week, but he backed it up when the cage door closed.
Dana White rewards four fighters with UFC contracts
Hasan was one of four fighters who secured UFC contracts during the opening week of Season 10.
Anthony Wint delivered the fastest finish of the night, stopping Matt Adams by TKO in just 34 seconds in the heavyweight main event. Wint improved his record to 7 and 0 and recorded the fifth knockout finish of his professional career.
Thomas Pagliarulo also earned his contract after defeating Ananias Mulumba by third round TKO at 4:24. Pagliarulo used a combination of striking and wrestling before finishing the fight with ground strikes. The victory extended his winning streak to five fights and gave him his 11th professional victory.
Joe Kropschot completed the group of contract winners after defeating Jon Kunneman by unanimous decision. The middleweight controlled much of the fight with his range and straight punches before nearly finishing the contest with an armbar in the final round.
Abe Alsaghir also won his lightweight bout against Fabrizio Escarrega by split decision, but Dana White did not award him a UFC contract. White said he believed Alsaghir had lost the fight and wanted to see more from him during the third round.
DWCS 87 Results
| Fight | Result |
|---|---|
| Anthony Wint vs Matt Adams | Anthony Wint wins by TKO, Round 1, 0:34 |
| Abe Alsaghir vs Fabrizio Escarrega | Abe Alsaghir wins by split decision |
| Bilal Hasan vs Mridul Saikia | Bilal Hasan wins by TKO, Round 1, 0:45 |
| Thomas Pagliarulo vs Ananias Mulumba | Thomas Pagliarulo wins by TKO, Round 3, 4:24 |
| Joe Kropschot vs Jon Kunneman | Joe Kropschot wins by unanimous decision |
The opening week of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10 produced four UFC contracts, with Hasan’s 45 second knockout standing out as one of the quickest and most decisive performances of the night.
What comes next for Bilal Hasan?
Hasan now begins the next stage of his career as a UFC fighter. His undefeated record, finishing ability and experience as a former CFFC flyweight champion give him a strong foundation heading into the promotion.
His Contender Series performance also demonstrated that he can handle significant expectations. Entering as the biggest favorite in the history of the show, Hasan did not need three rounds or a decision to make his case.
With his UFC contract secured and his professional record standing at 9 wins, 0 losses and 1 no contest, Bilal Hasan has made a powerful introduction to the UFC. His first appearance on the Contender Series was not simply a successful audition. It was a statement from one of Indonesia’s most promising MMA prospects.
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